Water Pollution: Covering The Crisis With Action

Water pollution is a pressing issue that threatens both human health and the environment. It refers to the contamination of water bodies, including rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater, and aquifers, by industrial and agricultural effluents. The effects of water pollution are far-reaching and long-lasting, with toxins travelling up the food chain and eventually impacting humans. While water covers more than two-thirds of the Earth's surface, less than 0.3% is accessible for human consumption, and this number continues to decrease due to commercialisation and industrialisation.

Water pollution can be controlled through various methods, including treating sewage waste before discharge, using water hyacinth plants to absorb toxic chemicals, and implementing chemical processes like precipitation and reverse osmosis. Additionally, individuals can play a role by reducing, reusing, and recycling water, as well as minimising the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers.

Reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers

Water pollution is a pressing environmental issue, as over 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by water. Human activity is the primary cause of water pollution, with natural phenomena such as landslides and floods also contributing to the degradation of water quality. One significant source of water pollution is the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers in agriculture. These chemicals can run off into nearby water bodies, contaminating them and causing ecological damage and negative health effects in humans.

To reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers, and thus decrease their impact on water pollution, several measures can be implemented:

Adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Farmers can transition to IPM practices, which involve using the least harmful pest control methods and only applying pesticides when necessary. This approach minimises the amount of pesticide used and reduces the risk of water contamination.

Precision Agriculture

Farmers can employ precision agriculture techniques, which involve using technology to apply fertilisers and pesticides more accurately. This ensures that the chemicals are targeted only at the specific areas that need treatment, reducing the amount that can run off into water bodies.

Conservation Agriculture

Conservation agriculture practices such as no-till or reduced tillage, crop rotation, and cover cropping can help reduce the need for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers. No-till or reduced tillage minimises soil disturbance, preserving the soil structure and reducing erosion. Crop rotation and cover cropping improve soil health and structure, making crops more resilient to pests and reducing the need for chemical inputs.

Integrated Fertiliser Management (IFM)

Farmers can adopt IFM practices, which involve applying fertilisers at the right time, in the right amount, and with the proper method. This ensures that nutrients are efficiently utilised by crops, reducing the amount of excess fertiliser that can leach into water bodies.

Alternative Pest Control Methods

Individuals and farmers can explore non-toxic and natural methods of pest control, such as biological control, integrated pest management, and mechanical or physical control methods. For example, introducing natural predators or using traps and barriers can effectively control pests without the use of chemicals.

Public Awareness and Education

Educating the public about the proper use and disposal of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers is crucial. Providing clear directions and guidelines for their application can help prevent misuse and minimise the risk of water contamination. Additionally, promoting organic farming practices and the benefits of reducing chemical inputs can encourage individuals to make more sustainable choices.

By implementing these measures, we can significantly reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers, thereby mitigating their impact on water pollution and improving the overall health of our aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources.

Avoid disposing of chemicals, oils, and medicines down the drain

Water pollution is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. One major contributor to water pollution is the improper disposal of chemicals, oils, and medicines down drains and toilets. Here are some ways to avoid this:

Chemicals

Hazardous chemicals should never be poured down the drain. This includes substances such as household cleaning agents, paints, pesticides, and batteries, which can contain toxic ingredients. Improper disposal of these products can lead to environmental pollution and threaten human health. It is important to always monitor the use, storage, and disposal of such products, following any instructions provided on product labels. Many communities have collection programs for household hazardous waste (HHW), so it is recommended to search for collection programs near you or contact your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency for more information.

Oils

Oils, fats, and grease should also never be poured down the sink. Cooking oils and fats can be collected in a "fat jar" under the sink and discarded with solid waste when full. Motor oil should be taken to a local auto parts store or garage for recycling, rather than poured down the drain or into a storm sewer.

Medicines

Old or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications should not be flushed down the toilet or drain. These pharmaceuticals can contaminate lakes and streams, harming aquatic wildlife and ending up in our drinking water. They can also lead to antibiotic resistance as bacteria change to survive in the presence of antibiotics. Instead of flushing them, medications should be taken to designated medication collection boxes, often located at law enforcement facilities and pharmacies. These sites do not charge disposal fees and accept various forms of medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, liquid, solid, and pet medicines.

Compost food scraps

Composting food scraps is an effective way to reduce water pollution. By composting, you can recycle food waste into compost, which provides a range of environmental benefits, including improving soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, recycling nutrients, and mitigating the impact of droughts. Here are some tips for composting food scraps:

Types of Composting

There are two main types of composting: cold composting and hot composting. Cold composting is a passive process that breaks down organic matter slowly with minimal intervention. It requires less maintenance but takes longer to produce usable compost. On the other hand, hot composting is a faster, more managed process that requires regular monitoring of moisture levels and aeration. It can produce compost in as little as four weeks to twelve months.

What to Compost

When creating compost, it is essential to maintain a balance of "green" and "brown" materials. Green materials, such as fresh grass clippings, food scraps, and coffee grounds, are rich in nitrogen, which promotes the growth and reproduction of decomposing organisms. Brown materials, like dead leaves, branches, twigs, and paper, are carbon-rich and act as a food source for the decomposers. The ideal carbon-to-nitrogen ratio for a compost pile is 25 to 30 parts carbon for every 1 part nitrogen.

Composting Process

To start composting, collect your food scraps and other organic waste in a closed container. Chop or break them into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition. Prepare a compost pile or bin in a shady area of your yard, ensuring good drainage. Layer your greens and browns, starting and ending with browns. Add water if needed to maintain the consistency of a wrung-out sponge. Turn the pile every few weeks to aerate it and speed up decomposition.

Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting, or worm composting, is another space-saving method for composting food scraps. It can be done indoors or outdoors and requires a container, bedding material, worms, and food scraps. Feed the worms fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and paper products, avoiding citrus, onions, garlic, meat, dairy, and greasy foods. After three to six months, you can harvest the vermicompost, a nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Benefits of Composting

Composting food scraps offers numerous benefits. It reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, where organic matter decomposes anaerobically, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting also improves soil health, increases water retention capacity, and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, composting at home reduces food waste, saving money and resources.

Install water-efficient appliances

Water pollution is a critical issue that jeopardizes human health and the environment. To combat this problem, installing water-efficient appliances is a crucial step. Here are some ways to do that:

High-Efficiency Toilets

Toilets manufactured before 1990 often used 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush. Federal standards now allow for more water-efficient models, with a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush, and some water-efficient toilets using as little as 1.2 gallons per flush. By replacing old toilets, a family of four can save up to 16,000 gallons of water per year.

High-Efficiency Showerheads

Showers and baths account for a significant portion of a home's water usage. Installing water-efficient showerheads that use less than 2.5 gallons of water per minute can significantly reduce water consumption and lower water bills.

High-Efficiency Faucets

Inefficient faucets can use up to 2.2 gallons of water per minute, while efficient faucets have a flow rate of about 1.5 gallons per minute. Upgrading to water-efficient faucets in your kitchen and bathroom will not only improve the aesthetics but also substantially reduce your home's water usage.

Energy Star-Certified Dishwashers and Washing Machines

According to ENERGY STAR, a certified dishwasher costs only about $35 a year to run and is both energy- and water-efficient. Energy Star-certified washing machines use 33% less water and 25% less energy than regular washing machines. These appliances not only reduce water consumption but also lower energy costs.

WaterSense-Labeled Products

WaterSense-labeled products, such as faucet aerators and showerheads, use at least 20% less water than standard models while providing equal or superior performance. By installing these products, an average family can save nearly 3,500 gallons of water and 410 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.

By taking these steps and installing water-efficient appliances, we can significantly reduce water consumption, lower our water bills, and positively impact the environment.

Sweep or blow fertiliser off paved areas

Water pollution can be prevented by keeping trash, litter, and other pollutants out of creeks, yards, and streets. Fertilizer runoff is a significant cause of water pollution, and it is important to keep it from entering water sources. Here are some ways to prevent water pollution by sweeping or blowing fertiliser off paved areas:

• If fertiliser gets onto paved areas, it is important to blow or sweep it back onto the grass.
• Do not apply fertiliser before it rains, as the chemicals will wash into storm drains and waterways.
• Sweep fertiliser off paved areas and back onto the grass to prevent it from being washed away and causing water pollution.
• Keeping fertiliser out of waterways helps to prevent the growth of toxic algae and the depletion of oxygen in the water, which can harm fish and other aquatic life.
• Properly disposing of fertiliser and keeping it away from water sources is crucial for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and drinking water quality.
• By taking these steps, individuals can play a role in preventing water pollution and protecting the environment.

Frequently asked questions