Ways Polluted Water Can Harm Our Health

Water is an essential resource for all living beings and is crucial for social and economic development, as well as energy production and adaptation to climate change. However, water pollution, caused by the release of harmful substances, is endangering the health of millions worldwide. Water pollution can be caused by a wide range of contaminants, including toxic waste, petroleum, fertilizers, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and disease-causing microorganisms. These pollutants can enter water bodies through various sources, such as industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, sewage, and oil spills, leading to decreased water quality and negative impacts on human health, the environment, and the economy. Addressing water pollution requires understanding its sources and implementing effective measures to protect and restore our valuable water resources.

Industrial activities

The Clean Water Act (CWA), passed in 1972 in the USA, has helped address industrial water pollution by setting limits on the amount of pollution industries can discharge into waterways. However, there are concerns that regulations have not kept pace with modern-day challenges, such as microplastics and pharmaceuticals, and that enforcement of these regulations needs to be strengthened.

In some cases, industrial waste is not treated properly or at all, leading to the pollution of nearby freshwater systems. This can have detrimental effects on aquatic life and humans, as the toxic chemicals can reduce the lifespan and fertility of organisms and accumulate in the food chain. For instance, large fish like tuna can accumulate high quantities of toxins such as mercury.

To reduce industrial water pollution, effective wastewater treatment systems are essential. Businesses should aim to reuse wastewater whenever possible and explore ways to reduce the use of harsh chemicals. Systematic environmental audits can also help companies identify sources of pollution and their impact on water sources. Additionally, collaboration between stakeholders, NGOs, suppliers, and staff can highlight the importance of reducing the company's environmental footprint and develop strategies to minimize waste.

While industries are vital for economic development, it is crucial to monitor their environmental impact and find ways to make them more eco-friendly and sustainable. This includes implementing pollution prevention strategies and ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations.

Agricultural activities

Agriculture is a leading cause of water degradation worldwide. The agricultural sector is the biggest consumer of freshwater resources, with farming and livestock production using about 70% of the Earth's surface water supplies.

Livestock production, which accounts for 70% of agricultural land, contributes to water pollution through fish excreta and uneaten feeds from fed aquaculture. The increased use of antibiotics, fungicides, and anti-fouling agents in livestock production may also pollute downstream ecosystems. Additionally, with the rising demand for agricultural commodities, farmers are turning to non-conventional water sources, such as wastewater, which can lead to the accumulation of microbiological and chemical pollutants in crops, livestock products, and soil and water resources.

Agricultural chemicals, such as nitrate, are another significant source of water pollution. These chemicals can move through the hydrologic system, impacting air, soil, soil water, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Nitrate from agriculture is now the most common chemical contaminant in the world's groundwater aquifers.

To mitigate the harmful impacts of agricultural practices on water resources, various measures can be implemented. For example, buffer strips, or vegetated filter strips, can be established at the margins of farms and along rivers to reduce the concentration of pollutants entering waterways. Additionally, edge-of-field monitoring can be employed to assess the quantity and quality of agricultural runoff and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation practices aimed at reducing nutrient loss.

Urban runoff

This causes a lowering of the water table and flooding, as the amount of water that remains on the surface is greater. Most municipal storm sewer systems discharge untreated stormwater to streams, rivers, and bays. This excess water can also enter people's properties through basement backups and seepage through building walls and floors. Urban runoff can also make its way into drinking water, disrupting food sources and even causing parts of beaches to be closed off due to illness risks.

Educational programs can be an effective tool for managing urban runoff by encouraging local businesses and individuals to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Stormwater management facilities can also help control thermal pollution from runoff by absorbing or directing it into groundwater.

Sewage discharges

Domestic sewage contains human waste, which is a significant source of pathogens and disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. These contaminants can lead to various illnesses, including cholera, hepatitis A, dysentery, and gastroenteritis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe water causes diseases that kill more than 500,000 people worldwide each year. Sewage-contaminated water is also associated with ear infections, especially in children and older adults.

The impact of sewage pollution extends beyond the immediate release of untreated wastewater. Aging and overwhelmed sewage treatment systems, as well as outdated infrastructure, contribute to the problem. In the United States, for example, there are approximately 600,000 miles of sewer pipes, with an average age of 33 years. Some pipes are even made of wood, highlighting the urgent need for modernization.

To address sewage discharges and their impact on water pollution, it is crucial to invest in upgrading wastewater infrastructure and treatment facilities. This includes separating stormwater and household sewage systems, as well as implementing natural solutions such as street-side swales and pervious concrete sidewalks to reduce stormwater runoff into sewers. Additionally, governments and regulatory bodies must enforce stricter regulations and policies to hold water companies and utility firms accountable for sewage discharges, ensuring that they take the necessary steps to prevent the release of untreated sewage into waterways.

Chemical and biological agents

One of the significant sources of chemical water pollution is the discharge of industrial wastewater. Factories and manufacturing facilities often release untreated or partially treated wastewater containing chemicals such as heavy metals, solvents, and toxic sludge into nearby water bodies. This type of pollution is known as point source pollution, as it originates from a single, identifiable source.

Agricultural activities also contribute significantly to chemical water pollution. The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides can lead to nutrient pollution, with high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus washing into waterways during rainfall. This can cause algal blooms, also known as red tides, which produce toxins that are harmful to both humans and wildlife. Additionally, the use of animal waste as fertilizer can introduce bacteria and viruses into water sources, further contributing to biological water pollution.

Another critical aspect of chemical water pollution is the presence of petroleum products, primarily through oil spills and the regular operations of the shipping industry. Tanker spills account for about 10% of the oil in the world's waters, while legal and illegal discharges from the shipping industry contribute to another third. Oil spills have devastating consequences for marine ecosystems, killing various species and damaging habitats.

Radioactive substances are also considered chemical water pollutants. These substances, generated by uranium mining, nuclear power plants, and military weapons production, among other sources, can persist in the environment for thousands of years. Radioactive waste emits radiation beyond natural levels, posing long-term risks to human health and the environment.

Biological water pollution, or the contamination of water with disease-causing microorganisms, is another significant concern. This type of pollution is often associated with domestic and industrial sewage, which can contain pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. High levels of faecal bacteria, for example, have been found in the River Ganges, posing a direct threat to public health and requiring extensive restoration efforts.

Frequently asked questions