Protecting Rivers: Preventing Pollution For A Sustainable Future

River pollution is a pressing issue that affects the lives of billions of people worldwide. It is caused by a variety of factors, including sewage, agricultural runoff, and littering. To prevent further contamination of our rivers, lakes, and oceans, it is essential to address these sources of pollution and implement measures to mitigate their impact. This may involve changes in individual behaviour, such as reducing the use of single-use plastics and properly disposing of hazardous waste, as well as collective efforts to improve wastewater treatment and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers. By taking action to address river pollution, we can help protect the health and well-being of both human and animal life that depend on these vital water sources.

Dispose of hazardous waste safely

Water pollution is a growing problem, with 2 billion people using a water source contaminated with human waste. To prevent further pollution of our rivers, lakes and oceans, it is important to dispose of hazardous waste safely.

Hazardous waste includes toxic substances, such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, motor oil and other automotive fluids. These should never be poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet, as they can contaminate the soil and nearby water sources. Instead, these substances should be taken to a designated drop-off point for safe disposal. Many communities have hazardous waste collection days, where residents can bring their waste to a central location for proper disposal.

It is also important to minimise the use of hazardous substances in the first place. For example, using biodegradable detergents and phosphate-free soaps can reduce the amount of chemicals entering the water supply. Composting vegetable scraps is another way to reduce waste and minimise the use of fertilisers.

By taking these simple steps, we can all play a part in reducing water pollution and protecting our rivers.

Avoid using a garbage disposal

Avoiding the use of a garbage disposal is one of the many ways to prevent river pollution. Garbage disposals can cause solid waste to break down into smaller pieces, which can then pass through water treatment plants and end up in rivers. To avoid this, keep solid wastes solid and make a compost pile from vegetable scraps.

Other ways to prevent river pollution include:

• Reducing the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, as well as motor oil and other automotive fluids, and ensuring these substances are not disposed of into sanitary sewer or storm sewer systems.
• Using phosphate-free soaps and detergents, and biodegradable detergents, and minimising the use of bleach and detergent when washing clothes or dishes.
• Preventing polluted stormwater runoff, which carries pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, pet waste, oil, and automotive fluids, from entering local rivers and streams.
• Not discharging sewage directly into rivers.
• Picking up trash while jogging, or "plogging", to prevent rubbish from ending up in waterways.

Don't discharge sewage directly into rivers

Sewage should not be discharged directly into rivers. Most of the rubbish that ends up in waterways comes from land-based activities, so it's important to dispose of your waste properly. Make sure you don't throw anything down the toilet that could cause blockages, and only flush human waste and toilet paper. You can also put a brick or container in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used per flush.

It's also important to avoid putting anything down the sink that could be harmful to the environment. This includes fats, oils, and greases, which can congeal and cause blockages, as well as hazardous waste such as chemicals, motor oil, and other automotive fluids. These should be disposed of safely at a designated centre.

You can also reduce the amount of sewage that ends up in rivers by conserving water. Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load, and use water-efficient appliances where possible. This will reduce the amount of water that needs to be treated and can help to prevent overflows during heavy rain or snowmelt.

Another way to reduce sewage discharge into rivers is to treat your own wastewater. This can be done through the use of septic tanks and leach fields, which allow solids to settle and liquids to be absorbed into the ground. This treated water can then be used for non-potable purposes such as irrigation or industrial processes, reducing the demand for freshwater and the amount of sewage that needs to be treated by municipal systems.

Prevent polluted runoff

Preventing polluted runoff is a key way to avoid river pollution. When water flows off streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, it can pick up pollutants like pet waste, sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, oil, and automotive fluids. These pollutants are then carried through gutters and storm drains into local rivers and streams. To prevent this, it is important to minimise the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Do not dispose of chemicals, motor oil, or other automotive fluids into the sanitary sewer or storm sewer systems. Avoid using a garbage disposal and keep solid wastes solid. Make a compost pile from vegetable scraps.

Another way to prevent polluted runoff is to install a water-efficient toilet. This can be done by putting a brick or half-gallon container in the standard toilet tank to reduce water use per flush. Running the dishwasher or clothes washer only when you have a full load also conserves electricity and water. Using the minimum amount of detergent and/or bleach when washing clothes or dishes is another way to reduce polluted runoff. Only use phosphate-free soaps and detergents.

It is also important to properly dispose of hazardous waste. Dumping toxic substances on the ground can contaminate the soil, as well as groundwater and nearby water sources. Sewage water from houses should not be discharged directly into rivers. Similarly, dead human and animal bodies should not be thrown into rivers.

By following these measures, we can help to prevent polluted runoff and keep our rivers clean.

Pick up trash while you jog

Water pollution is a growing problem, with 2 billion people using a water source contaminated with human waste. One way to help prevent this is to pick up trash while you jog, or 'plogging'. Most of the rubbish that ends up in waterways comes from land-based activities, so by simply picking up rubbish while you're out jogging, you can help to prevent it from ending up in rivers, lakes or oceans.

Plogging is a great way to help the environment, but it's also important to be mindful of the types of waste you're picking up. Make sure you don't pick up anything hazardous, such as broken glass or toxic substances, as these can be harmful to both you and the environment if not disposed of properly. Instead, leave these items for your local council to deal with.

You can also help to prevent river pollution by reducing your use of single-use plastics, which often end up in waterways and can take thousands of years to decompose. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives, such as a water bottle or coffee cup, and always make sure to dispose of your waste properly.

Another way to help is to minimise your use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers, as these can be washed into rivers and streams during storms. If you do use these products, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid over-application. Additionally, try to use biodegradable detergents and soaps, as these are less harmful to the environment.

By combining plogging with mindful waste disposal and reduced use of single-use plastics and harmful chemicals, you can help to significantly reduce river pollution and protect our waterways for future generations.

Frequently asked questions