Simple Daily Habits To Reduce Water Pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with our rivers, lakes, and seas inundated with waste, plastics, and other harmful pollutants. While the issue is complex and multifaceted, there are numerous ways that individuals can contribute to the protection of water sources and help reduce water pollution in their daily lives. From simple actions like properly disposing of medications and hazardous waste to more proactive measures such as advocating for stronger regulations and supporting initiatives like the Clean Water Act, every effort counts in the collective mission to safeguard our precious water resources.

How do people daily help prevent water pollution?

Reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers

People can play a significant role in reducing water pollution through simple daily actions. One critical aspect is reducing the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Here are some detailed suggestions to achieve this:

Reduce pesticide use:

Pesticides are commonly used in homes and gardens, with an estimated 60 million pounds used annually in the US alone. However, pesticides have severe environmental and ecological impacts. They can contaminate drinking water sources, rainwater, lakes, and even our bodies. Additionally, they can harm bees and other beneficial invertebrates. To reduce pesticide use, identify and address the underlying issues that attract pests. For example, use apps like iNaturalist to identify pests and find eco-friendly management solutions from your local Cooperative Extension office. By adopting ecologically sound pest management practices, you can reduce your reliance on pesticides and minimize the associated risks.

Limit herbicide usage:

Herbicides are designed to kill unwanted plants, but they can also have unintended consequences. When used excessively or improperly, they can contaminate water bodies and harm non-target plants and animals. To reduce herbicide use, consider implementing more sustainable weed management practices. This could include manual removal of weeds, using natural herbicides like vinegar or boiling water, or adopting integrated weed management strategies that focus on prevention and cultural, mechanical, and biological control methods.

Minimize fertilizer application:

Excessive fertilizer use, particularly nitrogen-based fertilizers, contributes significantly to water pollution. When fertilizers are overapplied, the excess nutrients can run off into nearby water bodies, causing nutrient pollution. This upsets the delicate balance of ecosystems and leads to biodiversity loss. To address this, consider adopting more precise fertilizer application techniques, such as soil testing to determine the exact nutrient requirements of your plants or crops. By applying only the necessary amount of fertilizer, you can reduce the environmental impact without sacrificing yields. Additionally, support policies and initiatives that promote sustainable fertilizer use, such as adjusting fertilizer prices or providing incentives for farmers to reduce overuse.

Support sustainable agriculture:

As consumers, we can also contribute by supporting sustainable agricultural practices. This includes buying locally grown produce from farmers who employ eco-friendly methods, such as organic farming or integrated pest management. By creating a demand for sustainably produced food, we can encourage more farmers to adopt environmentally conscious practices, reducing the overall use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

By implementing these measures, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, thereby helping to mitigate water pollution and protect our precious water resources.

Properly dispose of medications and hazardous waste

Properly disposing of medications and hazardous waste is crucial to reducing water pollution. Here are some detailed, instructive guidelines to help you properly dispose of these substances:

National and Community Initiatives:

• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Days, which are held twice a year in communities across the nation. These events provide a safe and convenient way to dispose of unwanted medications.
• DEA-authorized Collectors: Many DEA-authorized collectors, such as pharmacies at retail stores or hospitals, have installed collection kiosks that resemble mail drop-off boxes. These kiosks are easily accessible and allow you to safely dispose of your unused medications.
• Community Take-backs: Keep an eye out for community take-back events sponsored or coordinated by local community groups. These events, which require the presence of law enforcement, offer another option for properly disposing of medications.

Disposing of Medications at Home:

• Drug Take-Back Locations: If you have unused or expired medications, your first option should be to find a drug take-back location. These locations can be found at local pharmacies, police stations, or law enforcement agencies. They often provide on-site medicine drop-off boxes or mail-back programs.
• Mail-back Envelopes: If a take-back location is not easily accessible, you can use postage-paid, pre-addressed mail-back envelopes to send back your unwanted medications for proper disposal. These envelopes are available for purchase at many retail pharmacies, or sometimes provided for free by retailers, community organizations, or states.
• Disposing in the Trash: If you don't have access to take-back options or mail-back envelopes, you can dispose of most medications in the trash. However, it is important to take precautions to make the medicines less appealing and accessible. Remove the drugs from their original containers and mix them with undesirable substances such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. Then, place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag before throwing it away. Scratch out any personal information on the prescription labels to protect your privacy.
• Flushing Medications: While not recommended, if you have no other option and your medication is on the FDA Flush List, you can flush certain types of medications down the toilet. This is because some medications can be especially dangerous if accidentally ingested, and flushing them helps keep everyone safe. However, always check the FDA's Flush List before disposing of medications in this manner.

Disposing of Hazardous Waste:

• Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers: Minimize the use of these chemicals and never dispose of them in sanitary sewer or storm sewer systems, as they can directly contaminate rivers and other water bodies.
• Motor Oil and Automotive Fluids: Similarly, never pour motor oil or other automotive fluids into sewer systems. These substances can pollute waterways and harm the environment.
• Washing Cars: When washing your car, opt for a car wash that recycles water. If you must wash your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water instead of running the hose constantly.

Install water-efficient toilets

Water-efficient toilets are an effective way to reduce water pollution. The toilet is the largest source of water consumption in the home, surpassing the shower, dishwasher, and washing machine. Therefore, installing a water-efficient toilet is a great way to reduce water consumption and, in turn, reduce water pollution.

Water-efficient toilets use water velocity to remove waste instead of water volume, reducing toilet water usage by 20 to 60% (or nearly 13,000 gallons saved per year). This not only helps to conserve water but also saves money on water bills. In fact, according to the EPA, upgrading to a WaterSense-certified model can save an estimated $170 per year on water bills, which is roughly $3,400 over the lifetime of the toilet.

There are a variety of water-efficient toilets available on the market, ranging in price and style. WaterSense-labeled toilets, for example, are available at various price points and styles, and utilities often offer rebates and vouchers to lower the cost. Dual-flush toilets are another option, allowing users to choose a reduced flush mode that uses less water to remove liquid waste.

When shopping for a water-efficient toilet, it is important to consider both efficiency and performance. Older low-flow toilets were sometimes associated with performance issues, such as requiring double flushing, but manufacturers have worked to improve their products. Today, water-efficient toilets do not require any sacrifice in performance or price and have been reliable for decades.

In addition to installing water-efficient toilets, there are other ways to reduce water pollution in the home. For example, it is important to properly dispose of medications and chemicals, as these can contaminate local waterways if flushed or poured down the drain. Additionally, minimizing the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can help to reduce nutrient pollution, which is a significant threat to water quality.

Wash your car less often or at a car wash that recycles water

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas filled with chemicals, waste, plastics, and other pollutants. One way to help reduce water pollution is to wash your car less often or, if you do need to wash it, to take it to a car wash that recycles water.

Washing your car at home can use a lot of water, and the dirty water, along with any chemicals or detergents you've used, often ends up flowing into nearby storm drains and then directly into lakes, rivers, or streams. This can cause extensive environmental damage, as the chemicals in soaps can harm fish and degrade water quality. When washing your car at home, you may use up to 30 gallons of water per wash, and this water will likely seep into the groundwater supply, potentially causing issues for the environment and your health.

Using a commercial car wash with a water recycling system can help mitigate these issues. These systems collect and treat dirty water from the car washing process, transforming it into clean, reusable water. The water is held in tanks, where it undergoes separation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to remove contaminants and kill harmful bacteria. This recycled water can then be used for fresh-water rinses, reducing the car wash's dependency on freshwater sources.

By taking your car to a commercial car wash with a water recycling system, you can help reduce water pollution and protect the environment. These systems ensure that strong chemicals and grime from the car washing process do not end up in the municipal water system, causing pollution. Additionally, car washes that recycle water can enjoy significant cost savings, as they use less freshwater and have lower sewer costs. So, by choosing a car wash with a water recycling system, you can not only help reduce water pollution but also support a more financially stable and environmentally responsible business.

Pick up dog waste

Picking up dog waste is an important way to help reduce water pollution. Dog waste is a significant source of pollution in creeks, rivers, and lakes, and can have harmful effects on the environment and human health. It contains bacteria, parasites, and pathogens, including fecal coliform, which can cause people to become sick. Additionally, dog waste contains nitrogen and phosphorus, which can deplete the oxygen levels in the water, causing harm to fish and other aquatic life. It also contributes to the growth of harmful algae, which can further degrade water quality.

Dog owners should always pick up their pet's waste and dispose of it properly. This means using a bag, preferably biodegradable, to pick up the waste and throwing it into a trash can. It is important to never leave dog waste on the street, in your yard, or in a park, as it can be washed into nearby waterways, causing pollution and health risks. Properly disposing of dog waste helps to keep our waterways clean and safe for both people and wildlife.

In some cases, dog waste can be flushed down the toilet, but it is important to check with your local municipality first, as this may depend on the sewage treatment processes in your area. It is important to note that the flushable bag should not be included when flushing dog waste, as plastic bags can clog pipes and sewers and interfere with treatment plant equipment.

To further reduce the impact of dog waste on the environment, some places have implemented innovative pet waste disposal systems. For example, Richland County in South Carolina has installed environmentally friendly pet waste disposal systems in several of its parks. These systems act as miniature septic tanks, using enzymes and bacteria to turn dog waste into a harmless, odourless liquid that can be absorbed into the ground. Such systems not only help improve water quality but also serve as an educational tool for residents, encouraging them to adopt similar practices in their own yards.

By being responsible and scooping up after our dogs, we can help reduce water pollution and create a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone. This simple act of picking up dog waste plays a crucial role in protecting our waterways and the ecosystems that depend on them.

Frequently asked questions