Strategies To Combat Surface Water Pollution Effectively

Surface water pollution is a pressing issue, with many factors contributing to the contamination of our lakes, rivers, and streams. From hazardous household products to agricultural practices, there are numerous ways in which water sources can become polluted. However, there are also many ways in which we can reduce surface water pollution. This includes limiting the use of pesticides and fertilizers, blocking livestock from accessing water bodies, and implementing measures to reduce stormwater runoff in urban areas.

Limit the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers

Reducing surface water pollution is a collective effort that involves governments, organisations, and individuals. One of the key ways to achieve this is by limiting the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. These substances often contain harmful chemicals that can contaminate groundwater and surface water bodies such as rivers, streams, and lakes.

When it comes to pesticides, it is important to follow label directions and only use them when necessary. Many pesticides, if used incorrectly or excessively, can have detrimental effects on the environment and non-target species. By minimising their use and properly disposing of any leftover chemicals, individuals can play a significant role in reducing water pollution.

Similarly, herbicides should be used sparingly and with caution. These chemicals are designed to kill unwanted plants, but they can also have unintended consequences on the surrounding ecosystem. By limiting their use, individuals can help protect the biodiversity of their local water bodies and prevent the contamination of drinking water sources.

Fertilizers are another major contributor to surface water pollution. When used excessively or improperly, fertilizers can cause nutrient overload in water bodies, leading to harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion. To mitigate this, individuals can opt for organic fertilizers, use them sparingly, and ensure they are applied correctly to minimise runoff.

Additionally, it is crucial to properly store and dispose of any leftover pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. These chemicals should never be poured down drains or sewers, as they can end up in local water bodies. Instead, individuals should utilise local toxic drop-off sites or hazardous waste programs to ensure proper disposal, thereby reducing the risk of water pollution.

By implementing these measures and being mindful of the potential impacts of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, individuals can significantly contribute to reducing surface water pollution and protecting the environment.

Block livestock from accessing water bodies

There are many ways to reduce surface water pollution. One of the most effective ways is to block livestock from accessing water bodies. Livestock can trample stream banks and deposit faeces, which can lead to higher E. coli levels in the water. To prevent this, you can limit livestock access to water bodies with fences and provide alternative drinking water sources. If you pasture livestock, consider creating a rotational grazing system that reduces pasture erosion and allows vegetation time to grow.

Fencing off water bodies is a simple and effective way to improve water quality. By keeping livestock away from streams and rivers, you can reduce the amount of faecal matter and bacteria that enter the water. This, in turn, can help to lower the risk of waterborne illnesses and improve the overall health of the ecosystem.

Rotational grazing is another important tool in reducing surface water pollution. By rotating livestock between different pastures, you can give the vegetation in each area time to recover. This helps to reduce erosion and keeps soil and fertilisers from being washed into nearby water bodies during heavy rains.

In addition to blocking livestock access, there are other steps you can take to reduce surface water pollution. For example, you can minimise the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers on your property. These chemicals can travel through the soil and contaminate groundwater or run off into nearby water bodies during storms. Always follow label directions and dispose of any unused chemicals properly at local toxic drop-off sites.

Another way to reduce surface water pollution is to be mindful of stormwater runoff, especially in urban areas. Impermeable surfaces like pavement can increase the volume of stormwater runoff, leading to downstream flooding and increased pollution. You can help mitigate this by planting rain gardens to catch and infiltrate excess stormwater or by connecting downspouts to rain barrels for later use in irrigation.

Reduce stormwater runoff

Stormwater runoff is a major contributor to surface water pollution. In urban areas, land development and impermeable pavement increase stormwater runoff and the volume of flow when stormwater enters water bodies. This can lead to downstream flooding, stream bank erosion, and increased nonpoint source pollution.

Plant a rain garden

Planting a rain garden can help catch and infiltrate excess stormwater as it flows across your yard. This gives the water time to infiltrate into the groundwater instead of running off into water bodies.

Connect downspouts to rain barrels

Connect your downspouts to rain barrels to collect stormwater. This water can then be used to irrigate your landscape during dry periods. Make sure the barrel's overflow goes to a pervious surface like a garden or yard instead of an impervious surface like a driveway.

Reduce impervious surfaces

Impervious surfaces, such as pavement, prevent stormwater from infiltrating into the ground. Consider replacing some impervious surfaces with permeable pavers or porous asphalt, which allow water to soak through.

Maintain vehicles and utilise toxic drop-off sites

Keep oils and chemicals out of local streams by maintaining your vehicles to reduce leaks and utilising local toxic drop-off sites for proper disposal. Never pour any materials down a storm drain.

Limit the use of pesticides and fertilisers

Pesticides and fertilisers can contain harmful chemicals that can run off into stormwater and contaminate rivers, streams, and lakes. Minimise their use and always follow label directions when applying them.

Dispose of hazardous waste properly

There are many ways to reduce surface water pollution, one of which is to dispose of hazardous waste properly. Hazardous waste includes products that contain toxic substances, such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, motor oil, and other automotive fluids. These products can contaminate groundwater or run off into rivers, streams, and lakes. To prevent this, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Limit the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers.
• Always follow label directions when using pesticides and fertilisers.
• Do not dispose of hazardous waste into sanitary sewer or storm sewer systems.
• Utilise local toxic drop-off sites to dispose of hazardous waste properly.
• Maintain vehicles to reduce leaks and never pour any materials down a storm drain.
• Block livestock from directly accessing streams, rivers, and other water bodies to prevent trampling and the deposit of faeces, which can increase E. coli levels.
• Plant a rain garden to catch and infiltrate excess stormwater, reducing the volume of flow when it enters water bodies.

Install water-efficient toilets

One of the ways to reduce surface water pollution is to install water-efficient toilets. Water-efficient toilets are designed to use less water per flush, which can help reduce the amount of water that is wasted and ultimately ends up in our rivers, streams and lakes.

Water-efficient toilets come in a variety of styles and designs, and can be easily installed in most homes. They work by using a smaller amount of water per flush, typically around 1.28 gallons per flush, compared to the 1.6 gallons used by standard toilets. This may not seem like a significant difference, but it can add up to a lot of water saved over time, especially in households with multiple people.

There are also dual-flush toilets, which offer a choice between a full or partial flush, allowing you to use even less water for liquid waste. These toilets typically use 0.8 gallons for a partial flush and 1.6 gallons for a full flush. Not only do they help conserve water, but they can also save money on water bills.

If you're not in a position to replace your toilet, there are simple modifications you can make to your existing one to reduce water usage. For example, you can place a brick or a half-gallon container in the toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used per flush. This is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to make your toilet more water-efficient.

Another way to reduce water waste is to only run the dishwasher or clothes washer when you have a full load. This not only conserves water but also electricity. You can also minimise the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers, as these can contaminate groundwater and run off into stormwater, eventually reaching our rivers and other water bodies. Always follow label directions and dispose of these chemicals, motor oil and other automotive fluids safely, never pouring them down the drain.

Frequently asked questions