Ways To Limit Water Pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue that poses a threat to our health and environment. It occurs when harmful substances contaminate water bodies, degrading water quality and making it toxic. As water is a universal solvent, it easily dissolves toxic substances, making it vulnerable to pollution. While industrial plants and large farms are often considered the primary sources of water pollution, individuals also contribute significantly through everyday actions. To limit water pollution, it is essential to adopt practices that reduce the release of harmful substances into water systems. This includes properly disposing of hazardous materials, minimizing the use of chemicals, and conserving water. Additionally, maintaining septic systems, reducing plastic consumption, and supporting policies that protect water sources are crucial steps in combating water pollution. By taking collective action, we can protect our drinking water sources and ensure the health of our communities and ecosystems.

Dispose of hazardous materials and chemicals properly

Disposing of hazardous materials and chemicals properly is essential for limiting water pollution. Many household consumer products contain chemicals that can pollute the environment and harm human health once they enter landfills or solid waste incinerators. While industrial sources of hazardous waste are strictly regulated, it is up to individuals to identify and properly dispose of household hazardous waste.

• Do not throw hazardous waste in the trash. Instead, bring it to a local collection site. Each county or city often has hazardous waste programs or collection facilities to help prevent hazardous chemicals from getting into the environment.
• Look for warning words on product labels such as "caution", "warning", "danger", "poison", "flammable", "reactive", "corrosive", or "toxic". If you see any of these words, be sure to bring the waste or unused product to a local collection site.
• Common household items that are considered hazardous waste include batteries, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, electronics, fire extinguishers, propane tanks, medications, and products containing mercury.
• Automotive fluids, such as antifreeze, brake fluid, motor oil, and transmission fluid, should also be disposed of properly. Many automotive retailers will accept these items for recycling or proper disposal.
• Leftover paints or paint cans should not be poured down the drain or into storm sewers. Instead, look for designated drop-off locations or recycling programs for paint disposal.
• Properly dispose of medications at designated drop-off locations or through pharmaceutical take-back programs. Do not flush medicines down the drain or toilet, as they can contaminate groundwater or enter water sources downstream.
• Minimize the use of lawn and garden chemicals. Practice natural lawn care, plant native vegetation, and limit chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Many fertilizers and pesticides contain harmful chemicals that can contaminate groundwater and surface water.
• Keep your septic system healthy by having it regularly inspected and maintained by a professional. Poorly maintained septic systems can release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals into local waterways and groundwater.

Reduce plastic consumption

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with millions of tons of plastic waste ending up in the ocean each year, posing a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems. To limit water pollution, it is crucial to reduce plastic consumption and adopt more sustainable habits. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Wean yourself off single-use plastics

Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, and coffee cup lids, are designed to be used once and then discarded. These items contribute significantly to plastic pollution, as they are often not properly disposed of or recycled. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives such as tote bags, garment bags, silverware, and travel mugs. Making these choices can quickly become a habit and have a positive impact on the environment.

Stop buying bottled water

Close to 20 billion plastic bottles are thrown away each year. By carrying a reusable water bottle, you can reduce the amount of plastic waste you generate and also save money. Tap water is also generally safer and more regulated than bottled water.

Boycott microbeads

Microbeads, commonly found in beauty products like facial scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes, are tiny plastic particles that can slip through water treatment plants. Their small size makes them attractive to marine animals, which mistake them for food. Choose products with natural exfoliants, like oatmeal or salt, instead. Be cautious when purchasing cosmetics, as many brands still contain microplastics.

Purchase items second-hand

Instead of always buying new plastic items, consider purchasing second-hand goods from thrift stores, garage sales, or online. This reduces the demand for new plastic products and gives pre-owned items a new lease of life. For items you rarely need, borrowing from friends or family is also a great option.

Buy in bulk and choose eco-friendly packaging

Single-serving items, like individual yogurt cups or small packages of nuts, often have a high product-to-packaging ratio. Opt for larger containers or buy staples like rice and pasta from bulk containers, storing them in jars at home. Whenever possible, choose products packaged in materials other than plastic, such as glass or paper.

Choose clothing made from natural fibers

Synthetic fibers, such as nylon, acrylic, polyester, and fleece, are a significant source of microplastics in the ocean. These fibers shed from our clothes and end up in wastewater during laundry. By choosing clothing made from natural materials like cotton and wool, you can reduce the amount of microplastics entering the water system.

Maintain your septic system

Maintaining your septic system is critical to protecting groundwater, lakes, and streams, and human health. A poorly functioning septic system may not remove pathogens, nutrients, and other chemicals from the sewage before it enters the groundwater or lakes. Septic systems are designed to treat household wastewater and are cost-effective and easy to maintain. Here are some detailed guidelines to maintain your septic system:

• Understand your septic system: Know that a typical septic system has three parts – a tank to collect sewage and solids, a soil treatment area, and a drain field or leach field. The tank separates solids, which settle at the bottom as sludge, from oils and grease, which float to the top and form a scum layer. The liquid wastewater in the middle layer flows out through pipes into the drain field, percolating down through the ground.
• Regular maintenance and evaluation: Regular maintenance and evaluation of your septic system are crucial to ensure effective sewage treatment. The average septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Pumping out the tank is generally recommended every three to five years, but this may vary depending on household size, tank size, and wastewater production.
• Look for signs of a faulty system: Be vigilant for signs of a faulty or poorly functioning septic system, such as sewage odors, sewage surfacing in your yard or a nearby body of water, high levels of nitrates or bacteria in water tests, or excessive plant growth in nearby ponds or lakes.
• Conserve water and spread usage: Conserve water whenever possible and spread water usage throughout the day and week. Avoid periods of high usage that can overload the system.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and disposals: Minimize the use of harsh cleaners, bleach, antibacterial soaps, detergents, and other household chemicals. Do not dispose of paints, medications, pesticides, or other hazardous chemicals through the septic system. Avoid using garbage disposals, as they increase the accumulation of solids in the tank.
• Properly manage waste: Keep grease, lint, food scraps, feminine hygiene products, plastics, and other non-biodegradable waste out of your septic system. Ensure that only toilet paper is flushed, avoiding wet wipes, paper towels, and other non-biodegradable items.
• Maintain the drain field: Maintain a grass cover over the drain field area to stabilize the soil and absorb liquids and nutrients. Do not build structures or drive vehicles over this area, and avoid planting deep-rooted plants that could damage the system.
• Hire a licensed professional: Consult a licensed and reputable septic system professional for maintenance and repairs. They can advise on specific requirements and options for your site conditions.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively maintain your septic system, reducing water pollution and protecting your health, the environment, and your wallet from costly repairs or replacements.

Conserve water

Conserving water is essential to limit water pollution and protect this precious resource. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive ways to conserve water in various aspects of daily life:

In the Bathroom:

• Check your toilet for leaks by putting a few drops of food colouring in the tank. If the water in the bowl changes colour without flushing, you have a leak that needs fixing.
• Stop using your toilet as a wastebasket. Every flushed item wastes at least 1.6 gallons of water.
• Install a toilet dam or put a plastic bottle filled with sand or pebbles in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used per flush.
• Take shorter showers. Limit your time to soap up, wash, and rinse.
• Install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors to reduce water flow without sacrificing water pressure.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and shaving. Wet your toothbrush before brushing and fill a glass for rinsing.

In the Kitchen:

• Only run your dishwasher and washing machine with full loads. This saves water and reduces the number of times you need to unload them.
• Don't let the faucet run while cleaning vegetables or washing dishes. Use a sink full of clean water for rinsing or cleaning instead.
• Reuse water from washing fruits, vegetables, or rice to water your plants.
• Minimize the use of garbage disposals, as they contribute to water loss and can weaken your plumbing. Instead, compost your food scraps.

Outdoors and Gardening:

• Water your lawn only when necessary. Step on the grass; if it springs back, it doesn't need water.
• Water your lawn early in the morning or in the evening to minimize evaporation.
• Position sprinklers to water your lawn or plants, not the street or sidewalk. Avoid watering on windy days.
• Plant drought-resistant trees and plants, and use mulch to slow evaporation.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways, sidewalks, and steps.
• When washing your car, use a bucket of soapy water and a hose only for rinsing.

Remember, even small actions can make a significant impact in conserving water and limiting water pollution.

Properly dispose of medications

Properly disposing of medications is an important step in reducing water pollution. When medications are flushed down the toilet or drain, they enter the wastewater treatment system, which is often not equipped to remove these chemicals from the sewage. This means that pharmaceuticals can eventually find their way into our lakes, rivers, and streams, contaminating our drinking water and harming aquatic wildlife.

To properly dispose of medications, do not flush old or unwanted prescriptions or over-the-counter medications down the toilet or drain, and do not put them in the trash. Instead, take advantage of pharmaceutical take-back collection programs that accept prescription or over-the-counter drugs. These programs offer a safe and environmentally-conscious way to dispose of unwanted medicines. There are more than 300 medication collection boxes located at law enforcement facilities and pharmacies in Minnesota, for example, and similar programs exist in other states. These collection sites do not charge any disposal fees and accept all types of medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, liquid, solid, and pet medicines.

When using a collection site, it is important to check with the specific location beforehand, as they may have different lists of what they accept. Some sites may have restrictions on certain types of medications or medical waste. For example, DEA regulations prohibit placing illicit drugs (such as cocaine or heroin) or business-generated medications in a collection bin. Additionally, chemotherapy drugs in liquid form should be returned to the clinic that issued them to prevent exposing collectors and the public to cytotoxic drugs.

If a collection site is not accessible, many pharmacies sell envelopes that can be filled and mailed for medication disposal. These envelopes will be incinerated, which is the best method for the destruction of household pharmaceuticals. When disposing of medications in the trash, keep prescription medications in their original containers and cover any personal information with a permanent marker. Over-the-counter medications can be placed in a non-transparent bag and thrown away.

It is also important to dispose of needles, syringes, and other "sharps" associated with medication properly. Do not toss sharps in the toilet or trash, as this can clog up wastewater systems and pose serious health risks to sanitation workers. Instead, put them in a hard, puncture-proof plastic container with a tightly sealed lid. Many pharmacies sell or give away these containers, which can then be disposed of at a designated drop-off site.

By taking these steps to properly dispose of medications, we can help reduce water pollution and protect both the environment and public health.

Frequently asked questions