Water Pollution: Strategies For Control And Prevention

Water pollution is a serious issue that poses a threat to both human health and the environment. It occurs when harmful substances contaminate bodies of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic. With less than 1% of the Earth's freshwater accessible, it is crucial to address this problem. Preventing water pollution involves collective efforts, from individual actions to industrial regulations. Here are some key strategies to control water pollution:

Properly dispose of fats, oils, grease, and hazardous waste

Water pollution can be controlled by properly disposing of fats, oils, grease, and hazardous waste. These substances can cause plumbing issues and environmental damage if not handled correctly. Here are some detailed guidelines on how to properly dispose of these materials:

Fats, Oils, and Grease:

• Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the sink, toilet, or any other drain. These substances can solidify and cause clogs in your plumbing, leading to costly repairs.
• Scrape excess fat, oil, or grease into a "fat jar" or a sealed container, such as a glass jar or a waxy container like a milk carton. You can keep this container under the sink and discard it in the solid waste bin when it's full.
• Alternatively, line a bowl with parchment paper and pour the used grease into it. Once the grease cools down and solidifies, seal it in a bag and throw it away.
• Reuse your cooking oil and grease. Allow it to cool and harden, then store it in an airtight container. Before reusing, make sure it passes the sniff test and feels smooth, not sticky.
• Recycle your cooking oil by taking it to a designated drop-off location. Some waste disposal companies and restaurants participate in oil recycling programs, converting used oil into biofuels. Make sure to strain out food particles before recycling.
• Compost small amounts of vegetable oil in your compost bin. However, avoid using animal fats in compost as the smell may attract animals.

Hazardous Waste:

• Do not dispose of household chemicals, cleaning agents, or medications down the sink, toilet, or storm drains. These can include pills, liquid or powder medications, and household cleaners.
• Check with your local waste management guidelines or hazardous waste collection programs to properly dispose of chemicals and medications. Many communities have specific collection days or permanent locations for hazardous waste disposal.
• Properly dispose of motor oil and other automotive fluids. Take them to a designated drop-off location, such as an auto parts store, or a waste management facility that accepts automotive waste. Do not pour them down storm drains or mix them with cooking oils as they cannot be recycled together.

Reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers being key contributors. These chemicals can have devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and even human health. Here are some ways to reduce the use of these pollutants:

Pesticides and Herbicides

• Read and follow directions carefully: When using pesticides, always read and adhere to the instructions provided. This ensures that you are applying the correct amount and reduces the risk of overuse.
• Avoid sprays with smaller droplets: Smaller droplets have a higher surface area, increasing the likelihood of drift and spread to non-target areas.
• Check the weather: Avoid applying pesticides if rain or heavy winds are forecast. Rain can wash away pesticides before they take effect, leading to water contamination. Heavy winds can cause drift, spreading pesticides beyond the intended area.
• Clean equipment properly: Ensure that pesticide equipment is cleaned away from waterways and storm drains. This prevents the risk of accidental contamination.
• Explore non-toxic alternatives: Consider using natural or organic methods to control pests, such as introducing beneficial insects or using natural repellents like garlic spray.

Fertilisers

• Apply the right amount: Farmers can significantly reduce fertiliser pollution by using the correct amount of fertiliser. Applying too much can lead to excess nutrients being washed into waterways.
• Use proper timing and methods: In addition to the right amount, applying fertiliser at the right time of year and with the appropriate method can further reduce nutrient runoff.
• Adopt nutrient management techniques: This involves using the right amount of nutrients (fertiliser and manure), at the right time, with the right method, and in the right place. This ensures efficient use of fertiliser while minimising environmental impact.
• Implement conservation drainage practices: Subsurface tile drainage is a common practice to manage water movement in certain soils. However, drainage water can carry nutrients, so strategies like conservation drainage (including modified drainage systems and woodchip bioreactors) are needed to reduce nutrient loads.
• Ensure year-round ground cover: Planting cover crops or perennial species prevents periods of bare ground, reducing the risk of erosion and nutrient loss into nearby waterways.
• Plant field buffers: Establishing trees, shrubs, and grasses along field edges, especially those bordering water bodies, helps absorb or filter out excess nutrients before they reach aquatic ecosystems.

Treat wastewater before discharge

Wastewater treatment is essential to protect human health and aquatic life. Wastewater includes anything that goes down the drain, such as water from sinks, showers, toilets, and washing machines, as well as runoff from rain gutters and storm drains. Before being released back into the environment, wastewater must be treated to remove contaminants and pollutants. This can be done through physical, chemical, and biological processes.

Physical treatment involves removing solids from raw (untreated) wastewater through processes like screening or settling. An example of a physical treatment process is primary wastewater treatment, which involves removing solid matter from wastewater through sedimentation, allowing solids to float to the top or settle at the bottom.

Chemical treatment changes the water chemistry to increase settling rates or remove specific pollutants. Common chemical treatment processes include chemical precipitation, neutralization, adsorption, disinfection, and ion exchange. For instance, in chemical precipitation, dissolved inorganics are removed by adding an acid or alkali, causing precipitation as a solid that can then be removed.

Biological treatment uses special microorganisms to consume organic matter. Secondary wastewater treatment is an example of a biological process that removes soluble organic matter and suspended solids using naturally occurring biological processes, such as anaerobic microorganisms.

Treatment plants use different combinations of these three treatment categories depending on the source of the wastewater and the required level of treatment. These processes can be further categorized into primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments.

In addition to centralized wastewater treatment plants, there are also decentralized options, such as innovative wastewater treatment technologies that can be used for both discharges to the ground and surface water. These technologies can effectively treat wastewater and prevent pollution while being easy to operate and maintain.

It is important to note that regulations and permits are in place to ensure proper wastewater treatment and protect water resources. For instance, in Washington State, wastewater discharge permits are required for facilities and municipalities that dispose of wastewater into surface or groundwater, and plant operators must be state-certified.

Implement better waste management systems

Water pollution is a pressing issue that requires collective action and systemic changes to address effectively. One critical aspect of controlling water pollution is implementing better waste management systems. Here are some detailed suggestions to improve waste management and, in turn, help control water pollution:

Implement Waste Reduction Strategies

The first step in improving waste management is to reduce the amount of waste generated. This can be achieved through various means, such as encouraging recycling and composting programs. Recycling is an essential part of waste reduction, as it allows materials to be reused instead of being sent to landfills. Composting, particularly for food scraps and yard waste, diverts organic material from landfills, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in our waterways.

Improve Collection and Transportation Methods

Waste management systems involve the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of solid waste. To improve these systems, it is necessary to ensure that waste is properly collected and transported in a way that minimises its impact on the environment. This includes providing adequate collection systems, especially in areas where waste management is lacking, and ensuring that waste is transported efficiently and safely to designated treatment facilities.

Treat and Dispose of Waste Responsibly

Treatment facilities play a vital role in waste management systems. These facilities should employ state-of-the-art technologies to safely process waste before disposal. Disposal methods such as incineration and landfills should be used responsibly and in accordance with environmental regulations. For example, landfills should be designed to contain leachate, preventing it from polluting groundwater and nearby water bodies. Additionally, the proper disposal of hazardous waste should be prioritised to avoid contaminating water sources.

Educate Communities on Proper Waste Disposal

Community education is key to improving waste management systems. Individuals should be informed about the importance of responsible waste disposal and the potential consequences of improper disposal practices. Educating communities can help ensure that people understand how to dispose of waste correctly, including hazardous materials and electronic waste, which require special handling to protect the environment.

Invest in Sustainable Technologies and Infrastructure

Better waste management systems require investment in sustainable technologies and infrastructure. This includes supporting the development and implementation of integrated solid waste management systems that optimise the management process by involving all stakeholders. Additionally, investing in recycling technologies and infrastructure can improve the efficiency of recycling programs, further reducing waste and promoting the reuse of materials.

Advocate for Policy Changes and Systemic Solutions

Controlling water pollution through waste management requires systemic changes and policy support. Challenging leaders to improve their approach to waste management and advocating for policies that promote recycling, restore waterways, and reduce plastic pollution are essential steps. Supporting legislation that advances international agreements to end plastic pollution, such as UNEP's initiatives, encourages greener habits and pushes businesses to minimise waste and invest in sustainable practices.

Educate communities about water conservation

Educating communities about water conservation is a crucial step in controlling water pollution. Here are some ways to achieve this:

School Education Programs

Water conservation education can start in schools, with programs designed to teach students about the importance of water and how to conserve it. These programs can include interactive activities, such as distributing low-cost water-conserving devices like showerheads, faucet aerators, and toilet displacement devices, for students to take home and install with their parents. School programs can also include games, quizzes, and lesson plans that reinforce water conservation messages and provide practical knowledge.

Public Education Programs

Public education campaigns are essential to the success of any water conservation strategy. These programs can increase awareness about the many uses of water, its role in our daily lives, and the importance of protecting it. As people become more knowledgeable about water conservation, they are more likely to participate in initiatives such as appliance retrofit programs and make informed choices when selecting water-using fixtures and appliances.

Customized Educational Concepts

Every community has unique water sources and challenges, so customizing educational programs to address these specific issues is vital. This can include teaching communities about their water sources, how water gets polluted, and proper drain usage. For example, programs can educate people on how to identify and address local sources of water pollution, such as stormwater pollution caused by litter, trash, or motor oil being poured down storm drains.

Water Conservation Kits and Resources

Providing communities with water conservation kits can be a practical way to promote behavioural changes. These kits may include devices to reduce water usage, such as low-flow showerheads or toilet dams. Additionally, offering resources and tips on dealing with water-related issues like droughts, floods, and supply challenges can empower individuals to take ownership of their water conservation efforts.

Live Performances and E-learning

To engage communities, especially younger audiences, interactive live performances that incorporate storytelling and adventure can be effective. These performances can be designed to teach about water conservation techniques, the importance of water, and how drains function to support water quality. Accompanying e-learning packages with games, quizzes, and lesson plans can further reinforce the educational content and encourage community members to take action.

Frequently asked questions