Reducing Water Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Future

Water pollution is a pressing issue that jeopardizes human health and the environment. Unsafe water causes more deaths annually than war and violence combined, and with finite drinkable water sources, the challenges are only expected to increase. While the problem is vast, there are numerous ways individuals can reduce the impact of water pollution. From proper disposal of toxic chemicals and fats, oils, and grease to reducing plastic consumption and minimizing the use of pesticides, individual actions can create a ripple effect of positive change. Additionally, water conservation measures, such as installing water-efficient fixtures and reducing water waste, can also play a significant role in tackling this global issue.

Avoid pouring fats, oils, grease, and chemical cleaners down the sink

Water pollution is a pressing issue that jeopardises our health and the environment. It is caused by harmful substances, often chemicals or microorganisms, contaminating bodies of water and degrading water quality. This widespread problem is endangering human lives and the planet's biodiversity.

One way to reduce the impact of water pollution is by avoiding pouring fats, oils, grease, and chemical cleaners down the sink. Here are some reasons why you should never pour these substances down the drain:

Buildup and Clogged Pipes

Pouring fats, oils, and grease down the sink can cause buildup in your pipes over time. These substances tend to stick to the insides of pipes and can solidify, leading to clogged pipes and drainage issues. The buildup can restrict water flow, resulting in slow drainage and potential flooding. It can also lead to unpleasant odours and even attract drain flies.

Water Contamination

When fats, oils, and grease are poured down the drain, they eventually find their way into the groundwater. This contamination of the water supply can have severe environmental and health consequences. Bacteria will grow in the contaminated water, posing a threat to plants and animals that come into contact with it.

Increased Burden on Wastewater Treatment Plants

The molecular structure of fats, oils, and grease makes them particularly challenging to manage for wastewater treatment plants. They require more time and resources to process compared to other waste issues. As a result, pouring these substances down the drain contributes to the already overwhelming workload of treatment facilities.

Property Damage and Expensive Repairs

The damage caused by pouring fats, oils, and grease down the drain can be costly for homeowners. In addition to creating unpleasant odours and health hazards, it can also attract bugs and pests. Pipe backups caused by the buildup can lead to sewage flooding in your home, resulting in costly cleanup and plumbing repairs.

Negative Environmental Impact

Fat, oil, and grease buildup in sewer pipes can lead to Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs), which are releases of untreated or partially treated sewage. These overflows can contaminate natural waterways, such as rivers and lakes. The introduction of excess oil can deplete the water's oxygen levels, suffocating the wildlife that depends on it.

To avoid these issues, it is essential to dispose of fats, oils, grease, and chemical cleaners properly. Instead of pouring them down the sink, collect them in resealable containers and dispose of them in the trash. For larger amounts of oil, you can recycle it by taking it to a local collection site, where it can be converted into biofuel.

Do not flush pills, medications, or drugs down the toilet

Water pollution is a pressing issue that poses a severe threat to both the environment and public health. It is imperative that individuals take the necessary steps to reduce their contribution to this global problem. One such step is to refrain from flushing pills, medications, or drugs down the toilet.

Flushing medications down the toilet can contaminate water sources and inadvertently expose people to harmful chemicals. Wastewater treatment plants are often ill-equipped to remove pharmaceuticals, allowing them to pass through untreated. These chemicals can then find their way into lakes, rivers, and other water bodies, causing harm to aquatic life and potentially ending up in our drinking water.

The impact of flushing medications is far-reaching. For instance, hormones and antidepressants flushed down the drain contain endocrine-disrupting compounds, which can interfere with the normal growth and reproduction of aquatic species such as frogs and fish. Additionally, the presence of antibiotics in water can lead to antibiotic resistance as bacteria strive to adapt and survive.

To address this issue, individuals should utilize alternative methods for medication disposal. Take-back programs, such as the OSF St. Joseph Medical Center's annual Prescription Drug Disposal Program, provide a safe and environmentally responsible method for disposing of unwanted pharmaceuticals. These programs ensure that medications are properly collected and incinerated, reducing the risk of water contamination.

Furthermore, it is important to keep prescription medications in their original containers and remove personal information before disposal. For liquid medications, adding table salt or flour can help modify their contents and deter misuse. Proper disposal methods not only protect the environment but also reduce the risk of accidental poisoning and drug abuse, as medications stored in homes can be easily accessed by children or individuals who may misuse them.

In conclusion, flushing pills, medications, or drugs down the toilet can have detrimental effects on the environment and public health. By exploring alternative disposal methods, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing water pollution and protecting our precious water sources.

Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket

Flushing things down the toilet that don't belong there can have serious consequences for wastewater treatment processes, the environment, and human health.

The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are the three Ps: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper. When other materials get into the sewer system, they can clog pipes and damage homes and businesses. This drives up maintenance costs and sewer bills for the community.

• Don't flush pills, liquid or powder medications, or drugs down the toilet. Dispose of these items properly by visiting a local drug take-back site or following local guidelines for medical waste disposal.
• Don't flush tissues, wrappers, dust cloths, or other paper goods down the toilet. These items should be discarded in a wastebasket. Even "flushable" wipes don't degrade as readily as toilet paper and can cause serious and costly problems in sewer systems.
• Don't flush hair, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, cigarette butts, dirt, lint, rubber gloves, bandages, plastic, condoms, or underwear down the toilet. These items can clog pipes and disrupt wastewater treatment. Consider donating gently used clothing and determine if your plastic items can be recycled.
• Compost food waste or dispose of it in the trash. Even small amounts of food waste can mix with trash, grease, and tree roots to block pipes.
• Don't pour grease, fats, or oils down the drain. These substances will cool and harden, leading to blockages in your pipes. Instead, pour excess grease into a container and throw it away on trash day.
• Don't flush expired medicines or household hazardous waste, such as antifreeze, batteries, motor oil, solvents, bleach, nail polish, cleaners, disinfectants, pesticides, polishes, stain removers, fabric softeners, ammonia, dryer sheets, hair care products, fragrances, skin care products, cosmetics, or lotions. These chemicals can dissolve in water and pollute rivers and the marine environment. Dispose of them at a local household hazardous waste disposal site.

Remember, proper waste disposal is essential to keep yourself, your community, and the environment healthy. By following these guidelines, you can do your part to reduce water pollution and protect our precious water sources.

Do not dispose of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, motor oil, or automotive fluids into the sanitary sewer or storm sewer systems

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas contaminated by chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants. One way to reduce the impact of water pollution is to ensure that harmful substances are not disposed of into sanitary sewer or storm sewer systems. This includes pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, motor oil, and automotive fluids.

Pesticides are toxic chemicals that can cause serious harm to people, pets, and the environment if not disposed of properly. It is important to never pour pesticides down the sink, toilet, sewer, or street drain. Many municipal drinking water and wastewater treatment systems are not equipped to remove all pesticides, and if they reach waterways, they can harm fish, plants, and other living things. Instead, individuals should follow the disposal instructions on the pesticide label, and check with their local solid waste management authority or environmental agency to find out if there is a household hazardous waste collection program in their community.

Herbicides, such as Curtail, are also toxic chemicals that can be harmful if not handled and disposed of properly. It is important to keep herbicides in their original containers, as this ensures that the warning labels are visible and reduces the risk of accidental ingestion. Like pesticides, herbicides should not be poured down the drain or into a storm sewer, as this can contaminate the water system. Individuals should instead find alternative ways to dispose of herbicides, such as giving them to someone who can use them or contacting the local waste management authority.

Fertilizers contain harmful substances such as potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen compounds, which can contaminate sewage systems, water bodies, and soil. It is important to dispose of fertilizers safely and ethically to prevent environmental damage and health risks to humans and animals. Individuals should check the fertilizer label for disposal instructions and look for local hazardous household waste collection events or facilities.

Motor oil and automotive fluids are another source of water pollution. These fluids should never be dumped on the ground, into a storm drain, or into a septic system. Instead, individuals should purchase a container designed to catch used oil, which can then be brought to a recycling center or a business that accepts used oil. Automotive engine coolant, or antifreeze, is particularly toxic, and it is important to ensure that it is recycled or disposed of properly. Most municipal sewage treatment plants can break down the chemicals in antifreeze, but it should never be poured onto the ground or into an open sewer drain.

By properly disposing of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, motor oil, and automotive fluids, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing the impact of water pollution and protecting the environment and public health.

Install a water-efficient toilet

Water-efficient toilets are an effective way to reduce water pollution. They use less water than older models, reducing the strain on municipal water systems and lowering water bills. Installing a water-efficient toilet can be done in several steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Materials and Information

Before beginning the installation process, it is important to gather the necessary materials and information. This includes purchasing a new water-efficient toilet and researching local plumbing codes and regulations to ensure the toilet meets the required standards.

Step 2: Remove the Old Toilet

The first step in installing a new toilet is to remove the old one. Start by shutting off the water supply to the toilet, usually located to its left. Flush the toilet to drain the water and remove the remaining water with a sponge and bucket. Disconnect the water hose from the tank, which can usually be done by hand. Use an open-ended adjustable wrench to loosen the closet bolts on both sides of the toilet and remove the nuts and washers. Carefully lift the toilet straight up and off the bolts, using the grips provided. Remove the wax around the flange with a putty knife, wearing gloves for protection. Inspect the closet flange and replace it if it is broken. Take your time during this process to avoid damaging the existing plumbing connections or the floor.

Step 3: Install the New Water-Efficient Toilet

Once the old toilet has been removed, you can begin installing the new water-efficient model. Assemble the new toilet using the brass tank bolts and tank-to-bowl gasket that should be included with the new toilet. Attach the new toilet seat to the bowl. Insert new closet bolts into the flange and add a new wax ring. Carefully place the new toilet onto the flange, pushing it into the wax ring to secure it in place. Secure the toilet cap base and washer onto the closet bolts on both sides, using the adjustable wrench to tighten them without overtightening. Cut the closet bolts close to the nut with a mini hacksaw and snap the toilet cap into the cap base.

Step 4: Reconnect the Water Supply and Test the New Toilet

Reconnect the water hose to the new toilet by hand and turn the water supply back on. Caulk the area around the bottom of the toilet to ensure a secure fit. Check that the new toilet is level and double-check all connections. Flush the toilet several times to ensure it is functioning correctly.

Step 5: Troubleshooting

Even if the installation is done correctly, some issues may arise. Leaks can be addressed by checking and tightening all connections, and if they persist, the wax ring may need replacing. A running toilet may indicate a problem with the flapper or fill valve, which should be inspected and replaced if necessary. A weak flush can be improved by adjusting the water level in the tank and checking for obstructions in the flush valve or trapway. For more serious problems, it is recommended to call a licensed plumber.

Frequently asked questions