Water Pollution: What You Need To Know Now

Water is essential to life, but it is becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the world. Water pollution is the release of substances into bodies of water that make it unsafe for human use and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. It is a serious health threat, killing 1.8 million people in 2015 and causing illnesses in about 1 billion people annually. The sources of water pollution are diverse, including oil spills, agricultural and industrial waste, plastic debris, and toxic chemicals. Water pollution disproportionately affects low-income communities and threatens the health and well-being of everyone on Earth.

Sources of water pollution

Water pollution is caused by a wide variety of different substances and human activities. The main sources of water pollution include industrial waste, sewage and wastewater, mining activities, marine dumping, accidental oil leakage, and chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

Industrial Waste

Industrial wastewater is a significant byproduct of various industrial operations, including manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. It often contains heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxic substances. For example, wastewater from textile factories may contain dyes and fixatives that are challenging to remove through conventional water treatment methods. Other common components in industrial waste include oil, grease, and other forms of non-biodegradable waste. These substances can form a layer on the surface of water bodies, preventing oxygen from reaching aquatic life and leading to biodiversity loss and species death.

Sewage and Wastewater

Sewage and wastewater are primarily generated by human activities and are treated by wastewater treatment facilities before being discharged back into waterways. However, aging and overwhelmed sewage systems can release untreated wastewater, contributing to water pollution. Sewage can promote algae growth, leading to eutrophic "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive due to oxygen depletion. It is also a significant source of pathogens, or disease-causing microorganisms, and putrescible organic substances.

Agricultural Activities

Agriculture is a leading cause of water degradation worldwide. Every time it rains, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms wash nutrients and pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, into waterways. Nutrient pollution, caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus, is the top threat to water quality and can result in harmful algal blooms.

Oil and Marine Dumping

Accidental oil leaks and spills are significant contributors to water pollution, with oil and gasoline dripping from vehicles and oil reaching water bodies from land-based sources such as factories, farms, and cities. Marine debris and the improper disposal of solid waste are also major sources of water pollution, impacting aquatic ecosystems and species.

Radioactive Substances

Radioactive waste is generated by uranium mining, nuclear power plants, and military weapons development. Accidents and improper disposal of radioactive materials can release toxic waste into the environment, threatening groundwater, surface water, and marine resources.

Water pollution has severe consequences for human health, the environment, and the economy. It is crucial to address these sources of pollution through proper waste management, sustainable practices, and efficient sewage and wastewater treatment systems.

Types of water pollution

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, which has a negative impact on their uses. Water pollution is usually a result of human activities, but it can also occur naturally. Water pollution is a major global environmental problem, as it can result in the degradation of all aquatic ecosystems and endanger human health.

Groundwater Pollution

Groundwater is found underground in the spaces between soil and fractured rock, or in stores called aquifers. Groundwater pollution occurs when hazardous chemicals and particles applied on the surface by humans seep into the ground through rainwater, or when waste from landfills and septic systems leaches into the ground. The most common cause of this type of pollution is the use of pesticides and fertilisers on farms.

Surface Water Pollution

Surface water includes water that is found naturally on the Earth's surface, such as lagoons, rivers, oceans, and lakes. Contamination of these water bodies happens when pollutants dissolve in or mix with the water. Nonpoint source pollution is a type of surface water pollution that does not originate from a single discrete source but is rather the cumulative effect of small amounts of contaminants gathered from a large area.

Microbiological Pollution

Microbiological pollution is caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which can cause waterborne diseases such as cholera. This type of pollution is more common in areas where people drink untreated water, and it can have serious health impacts on humans who consume the contaminated water.

Chemical Water Pollution

Chemicals are the most common type of water contaminant, and they can affect both surface and underground water bodies. Industrial, commercial, and farming activities are the leading causes of this type of pollution. Solvents and metals used in industries, as well as pesticides used on farms, can all contribute to chemical water pollution.

Thermal Pollution

Thermal pollution refers to the degradation of water quality due to changes in water temperature. This can be caused by human behaviour and natural occurrences. Floating particles on the surface can prevent sunlight from penetrating the water, affecting the water temperature and inhibiting the growth of marine life.

Oil Spillages

When oil enters the water, it quickly spreads over the surface, reducing the amount of oxygen and sunlight that can penetrate. This type of pollution can smother the feathers of seabirds, prevent them from flying, and expose them to oil ingestion when they catch fish. Oil spillages can also suffocate fish and prevent plants from photosynthesizing.

Effects of water pollution

Water pollution has a wide range of effects on the environment, human health, and the global economy. Firstly, it leads to the destruction of biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems, triggering the proliferation of phytoplankton in lakes, a process known as eutrophication. This, in turn, contaminates the food chain, as fishing in polluted waters and using wastewater for farming introduces toxins into food, which are harmful to human health.

Water pollution also causes a lack of potable water, with the UN stating that billions worldwide lack access to clean drinking water, particularly in rural areas. This results in various diseases, including cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid, dysentery, giardia, and diarrheal diseases, which are the most widely known illnesses linked to contaminated water. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the world's diseases and 50% of child deaths are associated with poor drinking water quality. Unsafe water kills more people annually than war and all other forms of violence combined, with 1.8 million deaths attributed to water pollution in 2015 alone.

Furthermore, water pollution has economic implications. The World Bank President, David Malpass, warned that deteriorating water quality stalls economic growth and exacerbates poverty, especially in countries where sanitation and wastewater treatment facilities are inadequate. The presence of pollutants in water sources also affects the health of aquatic life, creating a chain effect that endangers entire aquatic environments.

The sources of water pollution are diverse and include factories, farms, cities, and oil-related activities. Oil pollution, for instance, is caused not only by tanker spills but also by land-based sources such as factories, farms, and regular operations in the shipping industry. Additionally, rising global temperatures caused by CO2 emissions heat the water, reducing its oxygen content, and the felling of forests can generate organic residue, providing a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Preventing water pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue, and it is important to understand the unique qualities of the water sources in your area. Knowing where your water comes from, where your wastewater goes, and the path your stormwater takes is essential for taking targeted action. Here are some ways to prevent water pollution:

Stormwater Management

Stormwater runoff is a significant contributor to water pollution. Rain or irrigation water flowing over impervious surfaces like sidewalks, roads, and parking lots can pick up debris, pollutants, and chemicals, carrying them into storm drains and, ultimately, into nearby water bodies. Implementing Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) can help treat and control polluted stormwater runoff. BMPs can range from small-scale solutions like raingardens that capture rainwater from roofs to larger-scale initiatives such as treatment trains for entire neighbourhoods. Adopting a storm drain is a direct way to protect water quality in your community. Additionally, stencilling storm drains with reminders that they are for clean rainwater only and providing a phone number to report violations can help raise awareness and prevent pollution.

Proper Disposal of Waste and Hazardous Materials

It is crucial to properly dispose of chemical cleaners, oils, automotive fluids, and non-biodegradable items to prevent them from entering water bodies through drains or sewers. Many municipalities offer hazardous waste disposal programs where you can drop off items like paint, batteries, needles, pesticides, and electronic waste.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Plastic

Plastic pollution is a significant issue for water bodies worldwide. Reducing plastic consumption, reusing plastic items when possible, and recycling plastic materials are essential steps in preventing plastic pollution from reaching our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas.

Minimize the Use of Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers

Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can wash off during rain or irrigation, ending up in storm drains and contaminating creeks, rivers, and bays. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods can reduce the need for pesticides, and adopting sustainable gardening practices can minimize the use of fertilizers.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Leaking oil, antifreeze, or coolant from vehicles can contribute to water pollution. Regular maintenance of your car can help prevent these leaks and ensure that any fluids are properly contained and disposed of responsibly.

Pick Up Pet Waste

Pet waste left on sidewalks, streets, or open areas can be washed away by stormwater runoff, carrying harmful bacteria, parasites, and nutrients that encourage algae growth in waterways. Responsible pet owners should always pick up their pet's waste and dispose of it properly.

Water pollution solutions

Water pollution is a serious issue that affects both human and wildlife health. It is caused by a variety of factors, including oil spills, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal. The best way to tackle water pollution is to prevent it at the source. Here are some ways in which we can work towards preventing water pollution:

Preventing Water Pollution at the Source:

• Oil Spills and Leaks: Oil spills are a significant contributor to water pollution, and while large spills often make the headlines, it is important to recognize that consumers account for the majority of oil pollution in our seas. This includes oil and gasoline drips from cars and trucks, as well as land-based sources like factories, farms, and cities. To combat this, individuals can properly dispose of motor oil and other toxic products, keeping them off pavements and out of drains.
• Industrial Waste: Industrial sites are a major source of water contamination, as many of them produce toxic chemical waste. To address this, industries should ensure proper waste management systems are in place, and individuals can support organizations working to drive positive change and hold industries accountable.
• Agricultural Runoff: The agricultural sector is the biggest consumer of global freshwater resources, and it is also a serious water polluter. Farmers use pesticides and fertilizers that can seep into groundwater and harm animals, plants, and humans. To reduce agricultural water pollution, individuals can limit the use of pesticides and fertilizers, properly dispose of hazardous waste, and support sustainable farming practices.
• Improper Waste Disposal: This includes littering, dumping waste into oceans and streets, and improper waste management. To prevent this, individuals can properly dispose of litter, avoid dumping waste into water bodies or storm drains, and support initiatives that promote source water protection and waste management.

Community Efforts and Education:

Water pollution is a community issue, and everyone has a role to play in protecting their drinking water sources. Communities, citizen groups, and individuals can work together to address local water pollution issues and educate each other on the dangers of polluted runoff and ecosystem loss. This includes stenciling messages near street drains to remind people not to dump waste, posting signs along source water protection areas, and distributing informational flyers to neighbors. Additionally, individuals can learn about the sources of their drinking water and support local source water protection projects or groups.

Policy Solutions and Regulation:

Decades of regulation and legal action against big polluters have helped reduce water pollution in some regions. However, it is important to recognize that regulation is subject to changing political winds. To ensure consistent protection of water sources, individuals can support organizations advocating for stronger environmental protections and hold their local and national representatives accountable for their environmental policies.

Frequently asked questions