Underground Water Pollution: Causes And Concerns

Underground water, or groundwater, is susceptible to pollution from various sources, including human activities such as industrial processes, agricultural practices, and improper waste disposal. Groundwater is an essential source of drinking water and irrigation, but it is vulnerable to contamination by harmful substances that can seep into the soil and compromise water quality. This paragraph introduces the topic of underground water pollution, highlighting the importance of groundwater and the risks it faces from human activities and improper management.

Poorly constructed wells

One of the primary issues with poorly constructed wells is their vulnerability to leakage. Structural problems, such as inadequate cementing or casing, can allow toxic materials to seep into the well and contaminate the groundwater. This is particularly common in irrigation wells located near agricultural land, where pesticides and chemicals can easily seep into the well through these structural issues.

In addition, poorly constructed wells might not have the necessary protective covering or casing and cement sheath, leaving them exposed to potential contaminants. This lack of protection can result in the contamination of the well water, which then affects the quality of the groundwater.

The consequences of using contaminated groundwater can be severe. Drinking water drawn from polluted wells can expose people to harmful pollutants and pathogens, leading to various health issues. For example, high levels of nitrate and nitrite in drinking water can cause methemoglobinemia, or "blue baby syndrome," which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen and can be life-threatening for infants.

Furthermore, poorly constructed wells can also impact the longevity of the well itself. Wells that are not built to proper standards may have reduced longevity and may require more frequent maintenance or repairs.

To address these issues, it is recommended that well owners educate themselves about potential contamination sources and take steps to protect their water quality. Working with professional, licensed water well drillers and pump installers who adhere to construction standards and regulations is crucial for ensuring the proper construction and maintenance of wells.

Landfills

While modern landfills are designed with protective bottom layers to prevent contaminants from reaching the groundwater, older landfills may not have this safeguard. Cracks in the protective layers or their complete absence can allow chemicals from household cleaners, car battery acid, and paint to infiltrate groundwater sources.

The age of the landfill is a critical factor in determining the degree of groundwater pollution. Over time, as landfills mature, the concentrations of pollutants decrease and may eventually become close to reference values. For instance, in one study, a landfill of 21 years of age showed pollutant concentrations nearing the reference value. Closing landfills also helps, as it significantly reduces the concentration of contaminants in the groundwater.

To prevent groundwater pollution from landfills, proper landfill management and monitoring are essential. This includes the implementation of protective liners, leachate collection systems, and adhering to proper waste management practices.

Atmospheric contaminants

• Natural Sources: Atmospheric contaminants can come from natural sources, such as the presence of certain elements in the soil. For example, iron, arsenic, sulfates, and chloride are naturally occurring contaminants that can be found in groundwater sources, particularly in regions with specific geological characteristics.
• Mining Activities: Mining operations can unearth metals, minerals, and sulfides, which can easily contaminate groundwater located below mines. Even inactive mines pose a threat as they may be used as wells, leading to potential contamination.
• Industrial Emissions: Industrial activities release various pollutants into the atmosphere, which can eventually find their way into groundwater supplies. This includes emissions from factories, power plants, and other industrial facilities.
• Agricultural Activities: Agricultural practices, such as the use of pesticides and fertilizers, can contribute to atmospheric contaminants. When these chemicals are applied to crops or fields, they can be carried by wind or rain into the atmosphere and eventually reach groundwater sources.
• Atmospheric Deposition: Pollutants in the atmosphere can be deposited onto land or water surfaces through precipitation or dust fall. These deposited contaminants can then seep into the ground and contaminate groundwater sources over time.

It is important to note that the impact of atmospheric contaminants on groundwater can vary depending on geographical location, weather patterns, and the specific types of pollutants involved. Preventing and mitigating atmospheric contamination of groundwater requires a combination of regulatory measures, improved industrial practices, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural techniques.

Pesticides and fertilisers

Pesticides are materials intended to control, prevent, kill, reduce, or repel pests. They can be made from natural ingredients or synthetic chemicals. All pesticides are toxic to some extent, and their toxicity varies for different organisms. For example, a pesticide that is low in toxicity for humans can be highly toxic to fish, bees, and birds. Pesticides include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides.

Fertilisers are materials added to the soil to increase its fertility. They can be natural or synthetic and are made up of the three nutrients essential for plant growth: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Indoor sewer drains collect wastewater from toilets, sinks, washing machines, and showers in homes, restaurants, and other buildings. Pesticides and fertilisers can enter these drains through improper disposal or by laundering contaminated clothing. Sewer drains carry the wastewater to treatment plants, but these plants are unable to remove all pesticides, so these chemicals are released into waterways.

Applying pesticides to the soil as granules or spilling them can allow them to enter the groundwater below. Some pesticides can percolate with water through the soil and leach into underground aquifers, contaminating groundwater used for drinking.

The use of pesticides and fertilisers has a major impact on water quality and leads to serious environmental consequences. They can cause ecological effects such as the death of organisms, cancers, tumours, and lesions on fish and animals, reproductive inhibition, suppression of the immune system, disruption of the endocrine system, cellular and DNA damage, and physical deformities.

To protect waterways, it is important to use non-chemical solutions and only apply pesticides and fertilisers when necessary. It is also crucial to read and follow the product label for safe use, dispose of leftover products properly, and apply them under the right weather conditions.

Septic systems

To prevent contamination of groundwater from septic systems, it is important to ensure proper maintenance and location of the system. Homeowners should also understand how their septic system and water supply interact. Septic tanks and leach fields should be separated from wells by a minimum distance of 50 feet, and deeper wells are also less likely to be contaminated. Septic systems should be pumped and inspected every three to five years, depending on usage and tank capacity.

In addition, it is important to avoid damaging septic systems by preventing foreign and hard materials from entering drains. During wet weather and flooding, septic systems can be more vulnerable to failure, so it is advised not to swim in recreational waters after heavy rain.

Upgrading septic systems with new technologies can also help to reduce nitrogen contamination in wastewater. Some states and municipalities offer incentives for homeowners to install advanced wastewater systems. Connecting homes and businesses to sewer infrastructure, where possible, is the preferred option for reducing groundwater pollution from septic systems.

Frequently asked questions