Water Pollution: Tourism's Impact And Solutions

Tourism is a major contributor to water pollution, which can have far-reaching effects on the environment and local communities. With the rise in international travel, tourist destinations are facing increased pressure on their natural resources, including water. This is particularly evident in water-scarce regions, but even areas with abundant water sources, such as Lijiang Ancient Town, are experiencing water pollution due to tourism development. The influx of tourists often leads to increased garbage, sewage, and chemical runoff, which can contaminate water bodies and degrade water quality. Additionally, the construction of tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and golf courses, can put a strain on water resources, leading to water scarcity and degradation. The impact of tourism on water pollution is a critical issue that needs to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of the industry and the protection of the environment.

Water shortages and degradation of water supplies

Water is one of the most critical natural resources, and the tourism industry's overuse of it can result in water shortages and the degradation of water supplies.

Tourism development can put pressure on natural resources, especially in areas where resources are already scarce. The tourism industry's overuse of water resources for hotels, swimming pools, golf courses, and personal use by tourists can result in water shortages and degradation of water supplies, as well as generating a greater volume of wastewater. This is a problem in dryer regions like the Mediterranean, where the hot climate and the tendency of tourists to consume more water on holiday than at home can result in water usage of up to 440 litres per day—almost double what the inhabitants of an average Spanish city use.

The construction of tourism facilities such as accommodation, water supplies, restaurants, and recreational facilities can also lead to water shortages. For example, in Yosemite National Park in the US, the number of roads and facilities have been increased to keep up with growing visitor numbers, causing habitat loss in the park and accompanied by various forms of pollution.

The development of ski resorts often requires the clearing of forested land, and coastal wetlands are often drained and filled due to a lack of more suitable sites for construction, causing severe disturbance and erosion of local ecosystems.

The over-extraction of water for tourism activities can also result in water scarcity. If the water comes from wells, over-pumping can cause saline intrusion into groundwater. This is a problem for golf courses, which require an enormous amount of water every day. In recent years, golf tourism has increased in popularity, and the number of golf courses has grown rapidly. An average golf course in a tropical country such as Thailand uses as much water as 60,0000 rural villagers.

The increase in the number of tourists can also put pressure on water resources and lead to water shortages. For example, in the Lijiang Ancient Town in China, the rapid growth of tourism and the increase in relative service infrastructures, such as shops, restaurants, and hotels, have resulted in a decline in water quality. Some local residents have already complained about water quality degradation, and countermeasures on water management approaches are needed to deal with the current water pollution and make tourism development sustainable.

Similarly, in the West Lake Basin in Hangzhou, China, the increase in the number of tourists led to an increase in garbage, and the government pursued tourism economic benefits unilaterally, neglecting the pollution brought by tourism activities. The comprehensive pollution index of the West Lake Basin showed an increasing trend between 2007 and 2018, indicating that the water environment of the basin was gradually getting worse.

Increased waste water

Tourism can put a strain on water resources, particularly in areas where resources are already scarce. The tourism industry tends to overuse water resources for hotels, swimming pools, golf courses, and personal use. This can result in water shortages and degradation of water supplies, as well as increased waste water.

Water-Intensive Activities

Golf courses, for example, require an enormous amount of water every day, and golf tourism has increased in popularity in recent years. Similarly, in hot climates, tourists tend to consume more water, which can run up to 440 litres per day—almost double what the average resident in a Spanish city uses.

Water Pollution

The construction of hotels and other facilities often leads to increased sewage pollution, with wastewater polluting seas and lakes surrounding tourist attractions and damaging the flora and fauna. Sewage runoff can cause serious damage to coral reefs by stimulating the growth of algae, which then cover and hinder the survival of filter-feeding corals.

Case Study: Lijiang Ancient Town

A case study of Lijiang Ancient Town (LAT) in China found that the present mode of water utilisation is not sustainable. The increase in tourism, along with the development of relative service infrastructures, such as shops, restaurants, and hotels, has resulted in a decline in water quality.

Case Study: West Lake Basin

A study of the West Lake Basin in Hangzhou, China, revealed that the increase in the number of tourists led to a rise in waste generation, which, in turn, increased water pollution in the basin.

Sewage pollution

Impact on Water Quality and Ecosystems:

Harm to Human Health:

Global Hotspots and Conservation Efforts:

Tourism's Role in Sewage Pollution:

Tourism activities can contribute to sewage pollution, particularly in areas with high tourist populations and inadequate infrastructure. The increase in the number of tourists can lead to a higher volume of sewage, putting strain on treatment facilities and increasing the risk of improper disposal. Additionally, the construction of tourism facilities, such as hotels and recreational spots, often involves land clearing and development, which can result in soil erosion and habitat loss, further contributing to sewage pollution.

Solutions and Mitigation:

To reduce the impact of sewage pollution, proper treatment of wastewater is essential. This includes ensuring that sewage is adequately treated before disposal to prevent the contamination of water sources. Additionally, public awareness and education about the impacts of sewage pollution can help reduce the problem. Implementing sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly cleaning products and reducing the use of plastics, can also mitigate the issue. Furthermore, conservation efforts, such as monitoring water quality and protecting sensitive ecosystems, are crucial to preserving the health of natural habitats affected by sewage pollution.

Water pollution from sunscreen

Sunscreen is a product that is essential for protecting human health, especially during the summer. However, it has become a source of water pollution, particularly in aquatic environments. The impact of sunscreen on aquatic ecosystems, including coral reefs, has been observed in recent years, with an estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen entering waterways globally each year. This has raised concerns about its effects on marine life and the environment.

Sunscreen products contain chemical or mineral filters that protect the skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. These filters can be absorbed by the skin or washed off into waterways when swimming or showering. While mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as UV blockers, chemical sunscreens contain molecules such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate, which have been found to have detrimental effects on coral health.

Research has shown that oxybenzone and octinoxate can cause deformities in coral larvae and baby corals, damage coral DNA, and impair growth and photosynthesis. These chemicals can also induce coral bleaching, which is a significant concern for the delicate coral ecosystem. Additionally, sunscreen chemicals can accumulate in the tissues of various marine organisms, impacting their immune and reproductive systems and even causing deformities in their young.

The impact of sunscreen on water pollution is not limited to coral reefs. It has also been found to affect other marine life, such as mussels, sea urchins, fish, and dolphins. The chemicals in sunscreen can induce defects in young mussels and cause immune and reproductive system damage in sea urchins. In fish, these chemicals can decrease fertility and reproduction and even cause female characteristics in male fish. Dolphins, as top predators, can accumulate these toxins in their tissues and transfer them to their young.

To address the issue of water pollution from sunscreen, it is recommended to use sunscreen products that do not contain chemicals harmful to marine life. Mineral sunscreens are considered a better option as they have fewer effects on aquatic organisms. Additionally, seeking shade during the peak sunlight hours of 10 am to 2 pm and wearing Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) sunwear can help reduce the need for sunscreen and minimize its impact on the environment.

While tourism can bring economic benefits to local communities, it is essential to consider its impact on the environment, especially water resources. The use of sunscreen by tourists visiting coastal areas, coral reefs, and other aquatic environments contributes to water pollution and poses a threat to the delicate balance of these ecosystems.

Water pollution from plastic waste

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with plastic waste harming animals and possibly humans. It is most visible in developing Asian and African nations, but also impacts the developed world, especially countries with low recycling rates. Plastic waste in water bodies is a significant contributor to water pollution, and tourism activities can exacerbate this issue.

Tourism activities can increase plastic waste generation, particularly through the use of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, food wrappers, and plastic bottles. These products have a short lifespan but can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. They often end up in water bodies, affecting marine life and contributing to water pollution.

Tourism destinations, especially coastal areas, generate significant amounts of plastic waste. This waste can enter water bodies through urban runoff, littering, and industrial activities. Marine debris, including plastic waste, has increased in oceans worldwide, with an estimated 80% coming from land-based sources.

The impact of plastic waste on marine life is devastating. It injures and kills fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. It has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. The ingestion of plastic waste leads to fatalities, starvation, suffocation, infection, and entanglement.

To address plastic waste from tourism activities, it is essential to reduce the use of single-use plastics, improve waste management systems, and increase recycling efforts. Additionally, promoting public education and awareness about the impact of plastic waste on water pollution can help mitigate the issue.

Overall, the impact of tourism on water pollution from plastic waste is significant, and efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic products are crucial to protecting water bodies and marine life.

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