Preventing Water Pollution: Strategies To Keep Our Waterways Clean

Water is one of the world's most important resources, and water pollution is a major environmental concern. Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate a water supply, and because water is essential for humans and the environment, it is crucial that we take steps to address this issue. There are several ways to reduce water pollution and conserve water, including using eco-friendly cleaning products, avoiding single-use plastics, properly disposing of waste, reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and adopting water-saving practices in our daily lives. These practices can help protect our water sources and ensure that we have clean water for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes.

Dispose of waste properly

Proper waste disposal is essential to preventing water pollution. Here are some ways to ensure you are disposing of your waste correctly:

Firstly, it is important to know the types of waste you will need to dispose of and the proper techniques for each. For instance, never pour fats, oils, or grease down the sink. Keep a "fat jar" under the sink to collect the fat and discard it in the solid waste bin when full. Similarly, do not dispose of household chemicals or cleaning agents down the sink or toilet. Check your local government website for information on hazardous waste collection days and locations.

Additionally, avoid flushing medications or drugs down the toilet. Instead, visit a drop-off site or contact your local waste management authority for proper disposal methods. Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket for items such as tissues, wrappers, or paper goods. These should be discarded in a wastebasket.

When it comes to outdoor waste, the "Pack it in, Pack it out" principle applies. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled food, and be sure to pack out all trash and leftover food. Bury solid human waste in catholes dug 6-8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. For washing yourself or your dishes outdoors, carry water at least 200 feet away from water sources and use biodegradable soap. Scatter the strained dishwater away from the water source.

To prevent trash from escaping your outdoor trash bins, keep the lid closed and don't overflow the bin. Put trash outside shortly before pickup and dispose of your PPE properly.

Reduce use of chemicals

Reducing the use of chemicals is an important step in preventing water pollution. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers: These chemicals can contaminate water sources and harm the environment. Instead, opt for natural alternatives such as manure, compost, mulch, or peat. Properly dispose of any leftover chemicals, ensuring they do not end up in water sources. Avoid fertilizing before it rains, as the chemicals will wash into storm drains and waterways. Sweep fertilizer back onto the grass if it gets onto paved areas.

Reduce the use of household chemicals: Avoid disposing of household chemicals, such as cleaning agents, down the sink or toilet. Many of these chemicals are hazardous and can pollute water sources. Look for non-toxic alternatives, such as non-toxic cleaning supplies, laundry products, and insecticides. Some cities have Hazardous Waste Collection days where you can dispose of these chemicals safely.

Properly dispose of medications: Do not flush pills, liquids, or powder medications down the toilet. These drugs cannot be removed by wastewater treatment plants and end up in rivers and streams. Dispose of them at designated drop-off locations.

Avoid using a garbage disposal: Keep solid wastes solid and compost vegetable scraps instead. Garbage disposals can contribute to water pollution.

Use phosphate-free soaps and detergents: When washing clothes or dishes, use the minimum amount of detergent and/or bleach. Opt for phosphate-free and non-toxic soaps and detergents to reduce the chemical load in wastewater.

Maintain your car and recycle used motor oil: Regularly maintain your car to prevent oil, coolant, antifreeze, or other hazardous chemicals from leaking onto the ground and potentially reaching water sources. Recycle used motor oil at recycling centers or service stations, as throwing it in the trash is illegal and harmful to water sources.

Remember, reducing the use of chemicals and properly disposing of those that are necessary can significantly help in preventing water pollution.

Conserve water

Conserving water is essential to prevent water shortages and ensure the preservation of life. Here are some ways to conserve water and reduce water pollution:

Reduce Water Usage

Turning off the water when not in use is an effective way to conserve water. This includes turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your hands. You can also limit your shower time and opt for baths, using less water than a long shower. Additionally, fix any leaks in your faucets, pipes, hoses, or couplings, as they can waste multiple gallons of water a day.

Efficient Appliances

Install water-efficient showerheads with a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. When purchasing a new toilet, opt for a low-flow model that uses 1.6 gallons or less per flush. Modern washing machines and dishwashers are also more water-efficient, so consider upgrading if you have an older model. Always run these appliances with full loads to maximize water efficiency.

Water Storage

Keep a bottle or pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap to cool water. This simple practice can significantly reduce water wastage.

Outdoor Water Usage

Water your lawn only when necessary. Deep-soak your lawn by watering it long enough for the water to reach the roots. Water during the cool parts of the day, preferably in the early morning, to prevent the growth of fungus. Position your sprinklers to ensure water reaches your lawn or garden, avoiding wasteful runoff.

Water-Efficient Landscaping

Plant drought-resistant trees and plants that require minimal irrigation. Use mulch around your plants to retain moisture and slow evaporation. Porous pavement, such as gravel, can be used for driveways and walkways to allow rainwater to recharge groundwater supplies instead of contributing to runoff and erosion.

Car Washing

Wash your car less frequently, and when you do, use a bucket of soapy water and a hose with a spring-loaded nozzle. Alternatively, take your car to a car wash that recycles water.

Composting and Garbage Disposal

Avoid using garbage disposals in your sink. Instead, compost your food scraps or throw them away in the trash.

Use eco-friendly products

Water pollution is a pressing issue, and using eco-friendly products is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint and conserve water. Here are some ways you can use eco-friendly products to save water and reduce pollution:

Reduce Single-Use Plastic

Single-use plastic is a significant contributor to water pollution and waste. You can make a big difference by switching to reusable alternatives:

• Replace plastic water bottles with a durable, non-disposable water bottle, such as a stainless steel or glass water bottle.
• Opt for reusable grocery bags instead of single-use plastic bags.
• Use reusable snack bags and meal prep containers made from glass or biodegradable materials.
• Choose reusable straws, such as stainless steel or bamboo straws, instead of plastic ones.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning and Personal Care Products

Conventional cleaning and personal care products often contain harmful chemicals that can pollute water sources. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives:

• Choose natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic cleaning products.
• Use eco-friendly sponges and scrubbers made from natural materials like cotton and cellulose.
• Switch to natural and organic personal care products, such as bamboo toothbrushes, shampoo bars, and biodegradable dental floss.
• Opt for eco-friendly sunscreen and cosmetics that are free from synthetic chemicals and parabens.

Water-Efficient Fixtures and Appliances

Water-efficient fixtures and appliances can help reduce water consumption and save energy:

• Install water-saving showerheads, which have a low flow to reduce unnecessary water usage.
• Choose an eco-friendly faucet, such as the Delta Strike Faucet, which uses less water than standard industry faucets.
• Invest in a high-efficiency toilet, like the Glacier Bay Single Flush Toilet, to reduce water usage with each flush.
• Use energy-efficient appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, and run them only when you have a full load.

Sustainable Home Products

Making small changes in your home can have a positive environmental impact:

• Use compostable or biodegradable trash bags that are safe for the environment.
• Opt for rechargeable batteries to reduce toxic waste and landfill pollution.
• Choose LED lightbulbs, such as EcoSmart Lightbulbs, which use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs.
• Use a water filter pitcher in your fridge instead of running the tap to cool drinking water.

Remember, sustainable living is a conscious choice, and it's important to understand the impact of the products you use daily. By incorporating these eco-friendly alternatives into your lifestyle, you can play a vital role in conserving water and reducing water pollution.

Avoid flushing trash

Flushing the wrong things down the toilet is a major cause of water pollution, and can have serious consequences for the environment, as well as your wallet.

Human waste and toilet paper are the only things that should be flushed down the toilet. Flushing wipes, tissues, paper towels, and other "unflushables" can create a sewer backup in your home, causing damage to your property, the environment, and even your health. Even if the label says "flushable", wipes and other trash can build up in the sewer system and cause overflows. These items can also increase the cost of system operation and maintenance, which is passed on to the customer.

Putting the wrong things down the toilet can also cause expensive plumbing problems in your home or business. Wipes, even when labelled "flushable", can clog sewer equipment and the pipes in your home. Flushing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) can cause serious problems in sewers and your house drains and pipes. When grease is washed down the sink, it sticks to the inside of sewer pipes, builds up, and can block an entire pipe. Garbage disposals do not keep grease out of the pipes; they only shred it into smaller pieces.

So, what should you do instead? Let grease cool, then put it in a sealed container and throw it away. Use a trash can instead of the toilet to dispose of wipes, tissues, hygiene products, and other items that don't break down in water like toilet paper. Keep fatty foods and meats out of the garbage disposal, and put cooled, solidified grease in the trash. Compost food scraps instead of putting them down the sink.

Frequently asked questions