Water Pollution: Household Activities Harming Our Waterways

Water pollution is a pressing issue that affects our planet's oceans, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. It is caused by a range of factors, including human activity, agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and oil spills. Even in the comfort of our own homes, we contribute to water pollution through the use of household chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and the disposal of fats and oils. With 80% of the world's wastewater left untreated, it is crucial to understand the impact of our actions on water pollution and take steps to protect our water sources. This includes proper waste disposal, supporting eco-friendly products, and advocating for change on a larger scale.

How do we pollute water in our homes?

Using kitchen sinks, showers and toilets

Water pollution is a serious issue, and it can start right in our homes. Water that goes down our kitchen sinks, showers, and toilets can contain harmful chemicals, waste, and other pollutants that can contaminate our water sources and harm the environment.

Kitchen Sinks

Kitchen sinks come into constant contact with dirty dishes, food scraps, and bacteria. It is important to clean your kitchen sink regularly to prevent the build-up of bacteria and food debris. This can be done by rinsing the sink with water after each use and scrubbing it with soap periodically. Deep cleaning the drain with baking soda and vinegar can help prevent clogs and odors. Keeping the garbage disposal clean by sending lemon wedges, ice cubes, and coarse salt through it can help to loosen and eliminate any smelly build-up.

Showers

The water we use in our showers can contain harmful contaminants, such as chlorine, chloramine, and hardness minerals. These contaminants can have adverse effects on our health, especially when inhaled during a hot shower. Chlorinated water has been linked to respiratory issues, intestinal flora disruption, and liver malfunction. Installing a shower filter or a water treatment system, such as a carbon filter or a reverse osmosis system, can help eliminate these contaminants.

Toilets

Toilets are a major source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30% of indoor water consumption. Older toilets can use up to 6 gallons per flush, leading to significant water waste. Upgrading to WaterSense-labeled toilets can reduce water usage by 20-60%, saving money and conserving water. These toilets are designed to use less water while maintaining superior performance and waste removal capabilities.

By being mindful of our water usage and taking steps to reduce pollution, we can help protect our water sources and the environment.

Garbage disposal units

There are two main types of garbage disposal units: continuous feed and batch feed. Continuous feed models are the most common type, where waste is fed into the unit after it has been started. Batch feed units, on the other hand, require waste to be placed inside the unit before it is turned on, and they are started by placing a special cover over the opening. Some batch feed units use mechanical switches, while others use magnets in the cover and unit to align.

The use of garbage disposal units has been controversial. In Britain, some local councils have subsidised the purchase of these units to reduce waste going to landfill and the carbon footprint of garbage runs. However, the use of macerators, a type of garbage disposal unit, has been banned in non-rural areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and is expected to be banned for businesses in England and Wales in 2023. The intention of these bans is to reduce water use and sewer blockages, as food scraps can create public health, sanitation, and environmental problems.

Improper garbage disposal can contaminate groundwater with toxic substances, and water, being an excellent solvent, can dissolve various chemicals. This can lead to health issues such as nervous system disorders from mercury contamination. Therefore, it is important to ensure proper garbage disposal to avoid groundwater contamination.

Sump pumps or cellar drains

Sump pumps and cellar drains are essential in preventing flooding in basements and crawl spaces. Basements are more likely to take on water than any other part of a home because they are below the ground's surface. Sump pumps are used to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basements of homes and other buildings. The water may enter via the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system or by natural groundwater seepage if the basement is below the water table level.

There are two types of residential sump pumps: pedestal and submersible. In pedestal pumps, the motor is not sealed and sits on a column to protect it from moisture. The motor is usually positioned above the top of the basin, and the motor shaft is connected to the impeller, which rotates inside a scroll housing at the bottom of the basin. Submersible pumps, on the other hand, have a sealed motor with the impeller mounted directly to the shaft. Submersible pumps are more powerful and expensive than pedestal pumps.

Sump pumps can be powered by electricity, battery backup systems, or separate battery-powered systems. They can also be powered by the municipal pressurized water supply, although this may be more expensive and create an additional water disposal problem. Most sump pumps turn on automatically through a float activator arm or a pressure sensor. Water is pumped through a pipe or hose to the surface, where it drains away naturally.

If your home has a sump pump or cellar drain, ensure it does not drain into the sanitary sewer system. Instead, direct the water to an appropriate natural drainage outlet.

Fossil fuel burning

Burning fossil fuels releases nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, which contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain. The excess nitrogen in the atmosphere, in the form of nitrogen oxides or ammonia, is deposited back onto the land and eventually washes into nearby water bodies. These excess nutrients in the water contribute to harmful algal blooms and oxygen-deprived aquatic zones, which are toxic to aquatic organisms and affect their survival. The burning of fossil fuels is the largest source of nitrogen oxide emissions in the United States, particularly from transportation and industry.

Fossil fuel use in power generation, transportation, and energy emits harmful nitrogen pollution into the air, which eventually ends up in our water supplies. The development and refinement of processes like fracking have made the United States the world's top producer and consumer of natural gas. This booming industry has led to increased air and water pollution, with fracking operations generating enormous volumes of wastewater laden with heavy metals, radioactive materials, and other pollutants.

Drilling and mining for fossil fuels can also result in spills and leaks of oil and other hazardous substances, which can contaminate nearby water sources. Additionally, the refinement and transportation of oil and gas contribute to oil pollution in waters worldwide. Oil spills and leaks can have significant public health impacts, causing illnesses from toxic fumes or the consumption of contaminated seafood.

Furthermore, the burning of fossil fuels emits harmful air pollutants even before they are extracted and burned. A 2017 study found that 17.6 million Americans are exposed daily to toxic air pollution from active oil and gas wells, transport, and processing facilities. These pollutants include benzene, which is linked to childhood leukaemia and blood disorders, and formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

To reduce the impact of fossil fuel burning on water pollution, businesses can take steps to manage and reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency, and purchase renewable energy. Conserving energy by using more efficient equipment and turning off electrical devices when not in use can also help minimise airborne nutrient pollution.

Agricultural runoff

Agriculture is the leading cause of water pollution, with farming and livestock production being the primary source of contamination in rivers and streams, the second-largest source in wetlands, and the third-largest source in lakes.

The impact of agricultural runoff varies depending on the type of farming operation, landscape conditions, soil type, climate, and farm management practices. For example, increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer and manure can stimulate algal blooms in lakes and rivers, leading to hypoxic (low-oxygen) conditions that are harmful to aquatic life. Algal blooms can also affect recreational activities and disrupt the ecosystem by blocking sunlight.

In addition, excessive sedimentation from erosion can smother breeding areas and degrade coastal and marine ecosystems, including coral reefs. Bacteria and nutrients from livestock and poultry manure can contaminate drinking water supplies and cause beach and shellfish bed closures. Pesticide runoff poses risks to aquatic life, fish-eating wildlife, and drinking water sources.

To address these issues, farmers can adopt best management practices (BMPs) and regenerative agriculture strategies. This includes following fertilizer best practices, improving soil health by planting cover crops, and planting streamside buffer crops to protect water quality.

Frequently asked questions