Ways To Combat Water Pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue, and while we often think of industrial plants or large farms as the primary sources, residents, businesses, and visitors also contribute excess nutrients and other pollutants to water sources. There are many ways individuals can help reduce water pollution and protect their drinking water sources from contamination. This includes simple actions like picking up litter, being mindful of how household chemicals are disposed of, and reducing water usage.

Dispose of fats, oils and grease correctly

Disposing of fats, oils, and grease correctly is essential for preventing water pollution. Pouring fats, oils, or grease down the sink or drain is extremely harmful and should be avoided. These substances will solidify and destroy your plumbing, causing clogged pipes and drains.

So, what's the right way to dispose of fats, oils, and grease? Here are some safe and environmentally friendly methods:

• Collect and Store: Keep a "fat jar" or a sealed container under your sink to collect fats, oils, and grease. Glass jars, waxy containers like milk cartons, or even styrofoam boxes can be used to prevent leaks. Once the container is full, simply throw it away with your regular trash.
• Solidify and Dispose: Allow the fats, oils, or grease to cool and solidify. You can then scrape or wipe the solidified grease into the trash. This method helps prevent leaks and reduces the risk of attracting animals or pests.
• Absorbent Waste: Mix fats, oils, or grease with absorbent waste such as paper towels, coffee grounds, or sawdust. This will turn the grease into a solid mass that can be disposed of in the trash.
• Recycle: Many waste disposal companies and restaurants participate in oil recycling programs. They collect used cooking oil to create biofuels. Contact your local waste disposal company or a participating restaurant to find out where you can drop off your used cooking oil.
• Reuse: Fats, oils, and grease can be reused for cooking if stored properly. Allow the grease to cool and harden, then store it in an airtight container. Be sure to give it a smell test before each use to ensure it hasn't gone rancid.
• Compost (Vegetable Oils Only): Small amounts of vegetable oil can be sprinkled into a compost bin. However, avoid using animal fats in compost as they can attract animals and pests due to their strong odour.

Remember, it's important to keep these substances out of our water systems to prevent pollution and costly plumbing issues. By properly disposing of fats, oils, and grease, you can do your part in keeping our waterways clean and our plumbing systems functioning properly.

Properly maintain septic systems

Properly Maintaining Septic Systems

Septic systems, or onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS), are used by one-third of homes in Florida to treat and dispose of household wastewater. When properly maintained, septic systems can last 25-30 years, and maintenance costs are relatively low. However, if they are not maintained, repairs or replacements can cost between $3000 to $10,000.

A conventional septic system is made up of a septic tank and a drain field, or leach field. The septic tank separates solids (which settle on the bottom as sludge), from oils and grease, which float to the top and form a scum layer. The liquid wastewater, which is in the middle layer of the tank, flows out through pipes into the drain field, where it percolates down through the ground.

To keep your septic system working properly, follow these guidelines:

• Do not flush trash down the toilet. Only flush regular toilet paper. Avoid flushing wet wipes, cigarette butts, paper towels, and facial tissues, which can take longer to break down than toilet paper.
• Avoid pouring oil and fat down the kitchen drain.
• Do not flush prescription drugs or antibiotics down the toilet.
• Limit your use of the garbage disposal. Disposals add organic matter to your septic system, which results in the need for more frequent pumping. Composting is a great alternative for fruit and vegetable scraps.
• Ensure your septic system is surrounded by non-compacted soil. Do not drive vehicles or heavy equipment over the system.
• Avoid planting trees or shrubs with deep roots that could disrupt the system or plug pipes. Growing grass over the drain field is recommended to stabilize the soil and absorb liquid and nutrients.
• Conserve water to reduce the amount of water pumped into your septic tank. This can be done by repairing leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes, installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, and only running the washing machine and dishwasher when they are full.
• Have your septic system pumped by a certified professional every 3-5 years, depending on your household size, the size of your septic tank, and the amount of wastewater produced.

By properly maintaining your septic system, you can not only reduce maintenance costs but also protect groundwater, lakes, and streams from contamination.

Reduce use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers

Reduce use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers

Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are all substances that can have a detrimental impact on water quality. They can contaminate water through various means, including agricultural runoff, improper disposal, and direct dumping into waterways. Here are some ways you can help reduce water pollution by minimizing the use of these substances:

Pesticides and Herbicides

• Read and follow directions carefully: When using pesticides or herbicides, carefully read and follow the instructions on the product labels. This includes paying attention to any warnings or precautions that are provided.
• Avoid sprays with smaller droplet sizes: Choose products with larger droplet sizes, as smaller droplets can spread more easily and increase the risk of exposure and contamination.
• Check the weather conditions: Avoid applying pesticides or herbicides if rain or heavy winds are forecasted. This will help prevent the chemicals from being washed away or blown to unintended areas.
• Clean equipment properly: Make sure to clean and maintain your equipment properly, and do so away from waterways or storm drains to prevent contamination.
• Explore non-toxic alternatives: Consider using non-toxic methods for pest control, such as integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, which focus on long-term prevention and use chemical pesticides only as a last resort.

Fertilizers

• Apply the right amount: Use fertilizers in the proper amounts to avoid excess that can be washed away and contaminate water bodies.
• Time your application: Apply fertilizers at the right time of year and avoid doing so before rainfall or irrigation, as this can increase the risk of runoff into nearby waterways.
• Use appropriate methods: Different fertilizers require different application methods. Follow the recommended methods for each type of fertilizer to ensure proper usage and reduce the risk of water pollution.
• Plant cover crops: Encourage farmers to plant cover crops or perennial species to prevent soil erosion and nutrient loss during periods of bare ground.
• Implement field buffers: Support or adopt the practice of planting trees, shrubs, or grasses along field edges, especially those bordering water bodies. These buffers can help absorb or filter out excess nutrients before they reach waterways.

Pick up litter and dispose of it in the trash

One of the most effective ways to help combat water pollution is to pick up litter and dispose of it in the trash. This simple act can have a significant impact on reducing pollution in our waterways and oceans.

Littering is a modern problem that has increased rapidly over the past few decades, with the rise of manufactured products and packaging made from materials such as plastic. When litter is not disposed of properly, it can easily become aquatic trash. Rain and wind can carry litter into storm drains, streams, canals, and rivers, which eventually lead to the ocean. This is how litter ends up polluting our waterways and oceans, causing harm to the environment and the animals that live there.

Cigarettes are the most frequently littered item, and they can be especially harmful to the environment. Cigarette butts contain chemicals such as arsenic and formaldehyde, which can leach into the soil and water, causing water pollution. Plastic waste is another major contributor to water pollution, as it does not fully biodegrade and can break down into microplastics that are harmful to aquatic life.

By picking up litter and disposing of it in the trash, you can help prevent this type of pollution. This can be as simple as picking up a piece of litter you see on the ground and throwing it away in a garbage can. You can also get involved in organized clean-up groups or adopt an area in your community to keep litter-free. Additionally, you can set a good example for others by always properly disposing of your own waste and educating yourself and others about the importance of litter disposal.

Remember, even a small act like picking up litter can make a big difference in the fight against water pollution. By taking responsibility for our own waste and that of our community, we can help reduce the negative impact of littering on the environment.

Avoid using a garbage disposal

Using a garbage disposal is not the best way to dispose of your food waste. Although it may seem like a convenient option, it can have negative impacts on the environment and your pipes.

Firstly, garbage disposals can contribute to water pollution. When food scraps are sent down the sink, they are broken down by bacteria through a process called anaerobic digestion. This process captures the methane generated by the decomposition of organic matter. While this methane can be converted into clean energy, it is not as efficient as the energy recovery process of landfills with methane recovery. Additionally, garbage disposals may contribute to nutrient overload in waterways, which can pollute drinking water supplies.

Another issue with garbage disposals is that they require water and electricity to function. The process of grinding food scraps and washing them down the drain consumes energy and water resources. Furthermore, there is a risk of clogging your pipes if you put the wrong types of food down the disposal. Grease, coffee grounds, egg shells, and fibrous vegetables should be avoided as they can cause blockages.

A more environmentally friendly alternative to using a garbage disposal is to compost your food waste. Composting allows you to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden or yard. If you don't have the space for a compost bin, you can explore options like under-the-sink compost systems or community garden initiatives that accept food scraps.

The greenest option, however, is to reduce food waste in the first place. By planning your meals, buying only what you need, and properly storing your food, you can minimize the amount of waste generated. This not only helps the environment but also saves you money and reduces water consumption associated with growing food.

Frequently asked questions