Kids' Guide To Preventing Water Pollution

Water is an essential resource for all living things on our planet, yet human activity has contaminated this precious commodity. Water pollution is caused by waste, chemicals, and other particles that make their way into bodies of water, rendering them harmful to the fish and animals that depend on them. While this is a global issue, there are ways that kids can help to prevent water pollution and protect our water sources. From simple actions like picking up litter and reducing plastic use to making compost and minimising the use of pesticides, children can play a vital role in keeping our water clean and safe.

Pick up litter and throw it away in a bin

Picking up litter is an important way that kids can help prevent water pollution. When people litter, they often throw trash into bodies of water like rivers, oceans, and lakes, which can cause water pollution. Water pollution happens when waste, chemicals, or other particles enter a body of water and make it unsafe for the fish and animals that rely on it to survive.

Kids can play a big part in preventing this by picking up any litter they see and throwing it away in a bin. This simple act can have a huge impact on the environment. Plastics and other non-biodegradable materials can take hundreds of years to decompose, so by picking them up and putting them in the bin, kids are helping to protect the environment and preserve natural spaces. This also helps to keep wildlife safe, as animals can mistake litter for food or become entangled in it, leading to injury or death.

Litter picking also has benefits beyond environmental protection. It can bring people together and foster a sense of community spirit and cooperation. It encourages social responsibility and environmental stewardship, making individuals more mindful of their waste disposal habits and inspiring positive changes in community behaviour and attitudes towards the environment.

So, the next time you see a piece of litter on the ground, remember that picking it up and throwing it away in a bin is an easy but powerful way to make a difference and keep our waterways clean and safe.

Don't pour fat, oil, or grease down the sink

Water pollution is a serious issue that can have harmful effects on the environment and human health. One way that kids can help prevent water pollution is by properly disposing of fat, oil, or grease instead of pouring it down the sink.

When liquid fats such as grease and oil are poured down the drain, they can solidify in drain pipes and sewer systems, leading to major problems. The freezing point of many fats is close to 100°F, and since drain pipes rarely reach those temperatures, the fats will solidify and cause clogs. These clogs can be extremely difficult to remove and can lead to costly repairs.

Additionally, grease and oil can mix with other substances in the sewer system, resulting in sewer backups and environmental damage. In municipal sewer systems, solidified fats can form large clumps called "fatbergs," which can float around and clog up the entire system. This can cost cities millions of dollars a year in repairs.

To properly dispose of cooking grease, it is recommended to pour it into a grease jar or can. Metal or glass storage containers, such as clean metal cans or screw-top jars, are ideal. Once the container is full, scoop out the solid residue and store it in the fridge for future use, or throw it away in the trash. Alternatively, you can wait for the grease to cool and solidify in the pan, then wipe it out with paper towels and discard them in the trash.

By disposing of fat, oil, and grease properly, kids can play a crucial role in preventing water pollution and protecting the environment.

Don't flush pills or medicines down the toilet

Water pollution is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. It is important that everyone, including kids, understands the impact of their actions on water pollution and takes steps to prevent it. One way that kids can help prevent water pollution is by properly disposing of pills and medicines.

Medicines should not be flushed down the toilet or poured down the sink. Although it may seem like a convenient way to dispose of them, it can have negative consequences for the environment and water quality. Wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to remove pharmaceuticals from the water, so these chemicals can end up in our lakes, rivers, and oceans, which are sources of drinking water.

Even small amounts of medicines can contaminate water supplies when flushed down the toilet. This can affect the environment and endanger public health. Pharmaceuticals in wastewater can have harmful effects on aquatic life, and they may also impact human health if they end up in our drinking water.

It is important to properly dispose of unused or expired medications to prevent water pollution. Instead of flushing them, you should take them to a drug take-back location or use a pre-paid drug mail-back envelope. These options ensure that medicines are disposed of safely and do not end up in our water supply.

In some cases, flushing certain medicines may be recommended to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a "Flush List" of specific medicines that are considered high-risk for abuse or accidental ingestion. These medicines pose a greater risk to human health if they are not disposed of properly, so flushing them is recommended if take-back options are not readily available. However, it is important to remember that this list only includes a small number of medications, and only these specific medicines should be flushed when necessary.

Don't use pesticides or herbicides

Pesticides and herbicides are chemicals used to kill or control pests such as weeds, insects, and fungi. They are often sprayed on crops and can be harmful to the environment if used excessively or improperly. Here are some reasons why kids should avoid using pesticides or herbicides to prevent water pollution:

• Health Hazards: Pesticides and herbicides contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to humans. Exposure to these chemicals can cause acute and chronic health issues, including skin and eye irritation, nervous system problems, hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and even cancer. It is essential to minimize the use of these chemicals to protect your health.
• Water Contamination: When pesticides and herbicides are applied to crops, they can easily wash off into nearby water bodies during rainstorms or irrigation. This runoff can contaminate rivers, lakes, and groundwater, leading to water pollution. Contaminated water can harm aquatic life and disrupt the natural water cycle.
• Environmental Impact: The chemicals in pesticides and herbicides can have far-reaching ecological consequences. They can accumulate in the bodies of aquatic organisms and sediment soil, threatening the health of humans and animals that depend on these water sources. Additionally, they can disrupt predator-prey relationships and reduce biodiversity.
• Alternative Methods: Instead of relying on pesticides and herbicides, kids can explore alternative methods to control pests. This includes mechanical methods such as pulling weeds by hand or using natural predators like ladybugs to control insect populations. Encouraging beneficial insects and other organisms can help maintain a healthy ecosystem.
• Proper Disposal: If pesticides or herbicides must be used, it is crucial to dispose of them properly. Never pour these chemicals down the sink or toilet, as they can contaminate water sources. Check with your local waste management authorities for guidelines on how to safely dispose of these hazardous materials.
• Education: Educating yourself and others about the dangers of pesticides and herbicides is essential. Understanding the potential risks associated with these chemicals can help make informed decisions about their use and disposal. Spread awareness among your peers and community to foster a collective sense of responsibility for the environment.

Save water

Water is an incredibly precious resource. All living things on our planet need it to survive. Humans need freshwater to drink, cook, wash, clean, grow food, and manufacture goods. However, only about 1% of the Earth's water is fresh and drinkable, so it's important to save water. Here are some ways that kids can help save water and prevent water pollution:

Shorter showers and no taps running

Taking shorter showers and not leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth or washing your hands are great ways to save water. Also, make sure the toilet isn't running, as this wastes water and increases water bills.

Picking up trash

Always pick up your trash, especially when at the beach, lake, or river. Keeping litter and other trash out of creeks, yards, and streets is important to prevent water pollution.

Composting and recycling

Instead of using chemical fertilizers, learn to build a compost pile and make your own fertilizer. Composting vegetable scraps and other yard waste helps reduce waste and creates natural fertilizer. Also, save paper, plastics, aluminum, and glass for recycling. Reusing these materials helps save water and reduce water pollution.

Reducing pesticide and herbicide use

Ask your parents if you can pull weeds in the yard instead of using weed killers (herbicides). Pesticides and herbicides can contaminate water through rain or accidental spills, so it's better to use natural alternatives.

Fixing leaks

Repair any water leaks and dripping faucets. This saves water and reduces water bills.

Saving rainwater

Collect rainwater in a barrel to use for watering plants or washing the car. This reduces the amount of tap water used and helps conserve this precious resource.

Frequently asked questions