Innovative Solutions To Water Pollution: A Group's Efforts

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with our oceans, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes drowning in chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants. Unsafe water kills more people annually than war and all forms of violence combined, and with rising global demand for freshwater, it is in our best interest to protect our water sources. While water pollution is a widespread problem, there are many solutions to reduce it. Individuals can make a difference by being mindful of what they pour into storm sewers, disposing of waste properly, reducing the use of fertilizers and herbicides, and supporting environmental safeguards and regulations. Additionally, wastewater treatment facilities play a crucial role in removing pollutants through biological, physical, and chemical processes. Treating water before it enters the waterway system is an efficient way to combat water pollution at its source.

Local governments' role in water quality protection

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with our lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and seas contaminated by chemicals, waste, plastics, and other harmful substances. While there have been efforts to address this, such as the Clean Water Act, local governments also play a crucial role in water quality protection. They fill the gaps in state and federal regulations, ensuring the protection of surface water, groundwater, drinking water, and wetlands. Local governments are well-positioned to address water quality issues as they are closest to the communities impacted and can implement targeted solutions.

One of the key roles of local governments is proactive protection and planning. This involves addressing the root causes of water pollution, such as nutrient pollution from fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste, as well as wastewater and stormwater runoff. Local governments can implement zoning laws and ordinances that regulate the use of land and water resources. For example, they can enforce setbacks, vegetation belts, and buffers around water bodies to act as natural filters and prevent pollution. These regulations can also limit development and protect vulnerable ecosystems, such as wetlands, from being exploited. Local governments can refer to resources like regional planning agencies, county geographic information systems (GIS), and state agencies to make informed decisions.

Additionally, local governments can partner with non-profit organizations, watershed groups, and landowners to protect water quality. They can also educate residents about their crucial role in water protection, encouraging them to maintain septic tanks properly, avoid using synthetic fertilizers, and pick up after their pets. By engaging the community and seeking their buy-in, local governments can foster a collective sense of responsibility for safeguarding local water systems.

Furthermore, local governments can play a pivotal role in enforcing compliance with water quality standards. They can set permitting requirements, adopt and amend ordinances, and ensure that local businesses and residents adhere to environmental regulations. In the event of non-compliance, local governments have the authority to take legal action, as demonstrated in the Michigan Court of Appeals case, Schall v. City of Williamston, where a landscape buffer requirement was upheld.

Overall, local governments serve as the first line of defense in protecting water quality. Their proactive planning, regulatory powers, community engagement, and enforcement capabilities are essential to safeguarding local water resources for the benefit of both human health and the ecosystem. By working together with residents, non-profits, and other stakeholders, local governments can make a significant impact in preserving and improving water quality.

Clean Water Act

The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the primary federal law in the United States that addresses water pollution. The CWA was passed in 1972, amending and expanding the 1948 Federal Water Pollution Control Act, which was the first major US law to address water pollution. The CWA establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and sets quality standards for surface waters.

The CWA made it unlawful for any person to discharge any pollutant from a point source into navigable waters without a permit. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was introduced to regulate these point sources of pollution, which include industrial facilities, municipal governments, other government facilities, and some agricultural facilities. The EPA issues NPDES permits that authorise the discharge of pollutants under specific conditions and standards.

The CWA also provides funding for publicly owned treatment works, such as sewage treatment plants, to improve wastewater treatment. It recognises the primary responsibility of states in addressing pollution and provides assistance, including funding, to help states achieve these goals. The CWA further maintains the integrity of wetlands, which are vital to the ecosystem.

The CWA has undergone several significant amendments since its enactment, including the Clean Water Act of 1977, the Water Quality Act of 1987, and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which strengthened the response to oil spills and increased penalties for regulatory non-compliance. The CWA's regulations are administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in coordination with state governments, with some provisions, such as those involving filling or dredging, administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The CWA has been subject to various legal challenges and interpretations by the Supreme Court, including the 2025 decision in City and County of San Francisco v. Environmental Protection Agency, which struck down two provisions in San Francisco's CWA permit related to "receiving water limits." The CWA continues to be a key piece of legislation in the United States' efforts to protect and restore the nation's waters.

Reducing nutrient pollution

Nutrient pollution, caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water or air, is the number-one threat to water quality worldwide. It can cause algal blooms, a toxic soup of blue-green algae that can be harmful to people and wildlife.

Government Action:

At the government level, several measures can be taken to reduce nutrient pollution. Firstly, local governments should coordinate with other local governments to protect water resources, addressing the issue at the same geographical level as the topic being addressed. For example, in Michigan, groundwater, surface water, and wetlands are interconnected, so contaminants can travel between them. By working together, local governments can implement effective solutions that consider the unique characteristics of their region.

Additionally, governments can adopt nutrient reduction practices in urban and rural areas. For instance, Minnesota established a statewide Nutrient Reduction Strategy in 2014 to reduce nutrient pollution, with a revised strategy expected in late 2025. This strategy utilizes the latest science, research, and data to recommend effective regulatory and voluntary actions to reduce nutrient pollution and meet long-term goals.

Agriculture:

Agriculture is a significant contributor to nutrient pollution when fertilizer use, animal manure, and soil erosion are not managed responsibly. Farmers can adopt several practices to reduce nutrient losses, such as:

• Nutrient Management Techniques: Applying nutrients (fertilizer and manure) in the right amounts, at the right time of year, with the right method, and in the right placement.
• Conservation Drainage Practices: Modifying drainage system design and operation to reduce nutrient loads while maintaining adequate drainage for crop production.
• Field Buffers: Planting trees, shrubs, and grasses along field edges, especially those bordering water bodies, to absorb or filter out nutrients before they reach water bodies.
• Conservation Tillage: Reducing the frequency and intensity of tilling to improve soil health, reduce erosion, runoff, and soil compaction, thereby decreasing the chance of nutrients reaching waterways.
• Livestock Management: Keeping animals and their waste away from streams and installing fences to block access can help prevent excess nutrients from entering the water and protect stream banks.

Individual Actions:

Individuals can also play a role in reducing nutrient pollution through simple actions such as:

• Picking up pet waste, even in their backyard, as animal waste contains nitrogen and bacteria that pollute waterways when it rains.
• Keeping leaves and grass clippings on the lawn instead of blowing them into the street or down the drain, as they contain nitrogen and can pollute stormwater.
• Redirecting gutter downspouts into plant beds instead of driveways to reduce the volume of stormwater carrying nutrients during rainstorms.
• Using alternative transportation like buses or bicycles, as burning fossil fuels releases nitrogen-containing compounds that pollute surface water bodies.
• Regularly inspecting septic systems to identify leaks and prevent local ground and surface water pollution.
• Using a commercial car wash instead of washing at home, as car wash wastewater is treated before being released back into waterways.

Protecting wetlands

Wetlands are among the most biologically productive ecosystems in the world. They are essential for improving water quality, as they can remove pollutants from surface waters through sediment trapping, nutrient removal, and chemical detoxification. Wetlands can also slow down the momentum of flood waters, and their root systems hold the soil in place, preventing erosion.

Despite their importance, over half of the wetlands in the lower 48 states in the US were lost between the late 1700s and the mid-1980s, and they continue to face threats from development. Protecting wetlands is crucial for maintaining water quality and the health of the surrounding ecosystem. Here are some strategies and efforts to protect and conserve wetlands:

Government Initiatives

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a significant role in wetland protection and management. They have implemented various programs and strategies to control non-point source (NPS) pollution and prevent further degradation of wetlands. The EPA's recommended strategies include preservation, restoration, and the construction of engineered systems, such as vegetated filter strips (VFS) and constructed wetlands, to pretreat runoff before it reaches wetlands. The EPA also provides financial assistance to individuals and groups dedicated to wetland conservation.

Local Government Involvement

Local governments, in coordination with state and federal environmental regulation programs, can play a crucial role in protecting wetlands and surface water. This involves addressing issues at the same geographical level as the water bodies being protected, such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands. For example, local governments can enforce setbacks, vegetation belts, and development density restrictions to protect shorelines and water quality.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Non-governmental groups, such as The Nature Conservancy, The Trust for Public Land, and local land trusts, are increasingly important in wetland conservation. These organizations purchase and protect wetlands for conservation purposes, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

The Clean Water Act

Passed by Congress in 1972, the Clean Water Act aims to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waterways. This legislation has funded grants totaling $1 trillion towards curbing water pollution. As a result, 700 billion pounds of pollution have been diverted from American rivers, and the number of waters meeting clean water goals has doubled since 1972. The Act has also helped improve the quality of waterways like the Potomac River and Monterey Bay, enhancing tourism and economic activity.

Grassroots groups and coalitions

Another example is Save the Water, a North American research and advocacy organization that has been studying water contamination and its health impacts since 1999. Save the Water identifies chemicals in North American waters, documents their effects, and communicates with the public. They also develop water treatment technologies to remove pollutants, with four proprietary technologies that treat large bodies of water, removing heavy metals and other pollutants.

In addition to these larger groups, local governments and communities also play a crucial role in protecting water quality. For instance, the Michigan State University Extension highlights the importance of local government involvement in protecting wetlands, surface water, and groundwater. They emphasize that addressing water pollution requires coordination between different local governments to ensure that actions cover entire watersheds or groundwater sheds.

Furthermore, proactive protection of shorelines and vegetation belts can help safeguard surface water and wetlands. This includes implementing setbacks, vegetation belts, and controlling the density of development to prevent runoff and protect water from nutrients and other contaminants.

Grassroots efforts and local initiatives are vital in the fight against water pollution, as they often have a deep understanding of the specific issues affecting their communities and can advocate for tailored solutions. These groups and coalitions play a crucial role in holding governments and industries accountable and ensuring the protection of water resources for current and future generations.

Frequently asked questions