Protecting Rivers: Strategies To Combat Waterway Pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with over 11 million metric tons of plastic entering our oceans each year and 2 billion people using a water source contaminated with human waste. Rivers are a key part of this issue, with sewage, chemicals, and litter all contributing to their pollution. To avoid river pollution, individuals can take several measures, such as using biodegradable detergents, reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and properly disposing of hazardous waste. Communities can also work together to implement solutions like native plant landscaping, rain gardens, and permeable pavers to reduce stormwater runoff, a major source of river pollution. Governments and organizations also play a role in enforcing regulations and promoting initiatives to tackle industrial pollution and plastic waste. By combining individual, community, and institutional efforts, we can make a significant impact in the fight against river pollution.

Dispose of hazardous waste safely

Hazardous waste should never be thrown into the trash or poured down the drain. These items need to be taken to a local collection site or a Hazardous Waste Collection event. Each county in Minnesota, for example, has a household hazardous waste program to help prevent hazardous chemicals from entering the environment and harming human health.

So, what constitutes hazardous waste? Hazardous waste includes items such as batteries, paints, solvents, electronics, and automotive fluids. These items should never be thrown into regular trash bins or poured down the drain. Hazardous waste also includes household chemicals and cleaning agents. These should not be poured down the sink or toilet.

Other items that should be disposed of at a Hazardous Waste Collection event include pills, liquid or powder medications, and drugs. These should not be flushed down the toilet. Sharps and needles should be taken to a household hazardous waste program and must be in a puncture-proof container.

Some common household products that are hazardous include:

• Aerosol products
• Batteries
• Cleaning supplies
• Cosmetics
• Fire extinguishers, propane tanks
• Medication
• Products containing mercury
• Automotive batteries
• Antifreeze
• Brake fluid
• Motor oil
• Paint
• Paint remover
• Furniture stripper
• Pest control items

Avoid dumping sewage, human/animal bodies, and household items into rivers

To avoid river pollution, it is crucial to refrain from dumping sewage, human/animal bodies, and household items into rivers. Here are some detailed and instructive guidelines to ensure we protect our waterways:

Sewage:

Sewage discharge into rivers poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and needs to be addressed urgently. One crucial step is to ensure proper waste disposal and avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper. This includes not pouring fats, oils, or grease down the sink, as these can cause blockages and overflows. Instead, collect them in a "fat jar" and discard them with solid waste. Similarly, dispose of household chemicals, cleaning agents, medications, and pills in appropriate waste collection facilities.

Human/Animal Bodies:

Dumping human or animal bodies into rivers is not only illegal in most places but also has severe ecological consequences. These bodies can introduce harmful bacteria and diseases into the water, endangering aquatic life and disrupting the delicate ecological balance. Proper burial or cremation methods should always be followed, ensuring that human and animal remains are disposed of respectfully and safely.

Household Items:

It is important to never use rivers or streams as dumping grounds for household items. Items such as cleaning products, tissues, wrappers, dust cloths, and other paper goods should be discarded in wastebaskets. Additionally, avoid flushing "fiber-reinforced cleaning products" down the toilet, as these can cause blockages. Yard waste, such as grass clippings, leaves, and branches, should also be kept out of waterways. Instead, consider composting or participating in community yard waste collection programs to dispose of these items sustainably and avoid degrading water quality.

By following these guidelines and being mindful of our actions, we can play a crucial role in protecting our rivers and the diverse life they support. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our waterways remain healthy and free from pollution for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.

Prevent fertiliser and pesticide runoff

Preventing fertiliser and pesticide runoff is essential to protecting our rivers and water sources from pollution. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Proper Nutrient Management

Farmers can employ techniques such as soil testing to determine the precise nutrient requirements of their crops. This knowledge will enable them to apply fertilisers more precisely, reducing the risk of excess fertilisers ending up in waterways. Controlled-release or slow-release fertilisers can be used, and manure or other organic fertilisers can be incorporated into the soil.

Conservation Tillage

Conservation tillage methods, such as no-till or strip-till, minimise soil erosion and improve water infiltration by leaving crop residues on the soil surface. This helps to prevent excess nutrients from being washed away into rivers and other water bodies.

Planting Cover Crops

During the off-season, farmers can plant cover crops to prevent soil erosion and nutrient leaching. These crops absorb excess nutrients from the soil, and their roots help to stabilise the soil, reducing the risk of fertiliser runoff. Research from the University of Illinois found that cover crops can reduce nitrogen leaching by up to 60% and phosphorus losses by up to 95%.

Vegetative Buffer Strips

Establishing vegetative buffer strips along waterways creates a natural filter that traps sediments, nutrients, and pesticides before they reach the water. These strips can be composed of dense vegetation, such as grasses, trees, or shrubs, and their effectiveness increases with width and density. Research from the University of Arkansas found that vegetative buffer strips can remove up to 97% of sediments, 80% of nitrogen, and 62% of phosphorus from agricultural runoff.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

IPM is an approach that combines various pest control methods, including biological, cultural, and chemical techniques, to minimise the use of pesticides. By reducing the amount of pesticides used, the risk of pesticide runoff is also reduced.

Sustainable Irrigation Techniques

Inefficient irrigation methods, such as flood irrigation or poorly managed sprinkler systems, can contribute to fertiliser and pesticide runoff. Farmers should adopt more efficient techniques such as drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to plant roots, minimising evaporation and runoff. Precision agriculture uses technology like soil moisture sensors and satellite imagery to apply water precisely where and when it is needed, reducing the volume of runoff.

By implementing these strategies, we can significantly reduce the amount of fertiliser and pesticide runoff that pollutes our rivers and other water sources, protecting both the environment and human health.

Reduce water usage and install water-efficient appliances

Water efficiency is a key way to avoid river pollution. Water-efficient appliances and techniques not only save money but also divert less water from rivers, helping to keep the environment healthy.

One of the major uses of water inside the home is toilet flushing. Installing a water-efficient toilet can make a big difference. If you can't replace your toilet, you can put a brick or half-gallon container in the tank to reduce the water used per flush. Another option is to install a WaterSense-labelled toilet, which uses 1.28 gallons or less per flush. A family of four can save 16,000 gallons of water per year with this simple change.

Washing machines are the second-largest water users in the home. Old washing machines, in particular, use a lot of water, so it's worth considering an upgrade to an Energy Star-certified model. These use four times less energy than those manufactured before 1999. You can also save water by only running the washing machine when you have a full load.

Another way to save water is to install WaterSense-labelled faucet aerators and showerheads. These use at least 20% less water than standard models, and a family can save nearly 3,500 gallons of water and 410 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year by making the switch.

Water-saving techniques can also be applied to your garden. Whether you're installing a new landscape or changing an existing one, select plants that are appropriate for your climate. Choose low-water and drought-resistant grass, plants, shrubs, and trees. Climate-appropriate landscaping can use less than half the water of a traditional landscape if maintained properly. You can also install a WaterSense-labelled irrigation controller, which uses local weather and landscape conditions to water only when plants need it.

By implementing these water-saving measures, you can help reduce river pollution and protect our precious water resources for future generations.

Be responsible with litter disposal

Being responsible with litter disposal is a key aspect of preventing river pollution. Here are some ways to ensure responsible litter disposal:

Properly Dispose of Waste

Learn how to identify what trash can be recycled. If you cannot recycle certain pieces of trash, it is crucial to dispose of them properly. Secure trash bags so that wind or animals do not scatter the litter into waterways. Take large items such as mattresses and tires to your nearest council recycling center.

Avoid Littering

Make a conscious effort to protect the environment by not littering. Always use trash cans or recycle bins to dispose of waste. This prevents trash from entering rivers and other bodies of water, causing harm to the environment and the economy.

Participate in Cleanups

Get directly involved in protecting rivers and waterways by joining cleanup efforts. Volunteering in nature is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your mental and physical health.

Encourage Others to Join the Movement

Spread awareness about the importance of responsible litter disposal and the negative impacts of river pollution. Educate friends, family, and neighbors about proper waste management practices and encourage them to join the movement to end littering.

Use Reusable Items

Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers instead of disposable, single-use items. Single-use items often end up in waterways, contributing to water pollution and harming marine life. Reusable, eco-friendly alternatives are stylish and environmentally friendly.

Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste

Hazardous household items, such as oils, antifreeze, paint, solvents, cleaners, preservatives, and prescription drugs, should not be poured down drains or flushed down the toilet. Check with your local waste management service to find out how to properly dispose of these items.

Frequently asked questions