Water Pollution: Preventing A Global Crisis

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with our rivers, lakes, and seas overwhelmed by waste, chemicals, plastics, and other harmful pollutants. While we all play a part in this problem, there are also simple ways we can help to reduce water contamination and limit our impact on the environment. From making conscious choices in our daily lives to advocating for stronger regulations, we can all take steps to protect our precious water sources and the ecosystems they support. This includes reducing plastic consumption, properly disposing of chemicals, maintaining our vehicles to prevent leaks, and supporting initiatives like the Clean Water Act. Additionally, we can implement water-efficient practices at home and in our communities, such as using water-efficient appliances, reducing fertilizer use, and conserving water through simple actions like fixing leaks and using water-saving showerheads. By taking collective action, we can make a significant difference in the health of our waterways.

Reduce plastic consumption, reuse and recycle plastic

Reducing plastic consumption, reusing plastic items, and recycling plastic waste are all essential steps to prevent water pollution.

Reduce Plastic Consumption

The first step is to reduce plastic consumption by opting for reusable alternatives. For example, instead of using plastic straws, cups, and bags, switch to reusable options. Bring your own reusable straw, travel mug, or thermos when dining out or grabbing a drink. Similarly, when grocery shopping, bring your own bags, including bags for loose produce, to avoid using the plastic bags provided. Choose products with minimal packaging, and opt for glass, paper, or cardboard packaging over plastic. When setting the table, use cloth napkins, and reusable dishes, glasses, and cutlery. If you pack lunch, use reusable containers instead of disposable ones. Buy products made from recycled plastic materials, such as bubble wrap for moving, and remember to recycle the packaging materials afterward.

Reuse Plastic Items

There are numerous ways to reuse plastic items creatively. For example, plastic bottles can be used for storing paint or as a crunchy toy for pets. You can also cut plastic bottles and use them to make a hanging garden or mount them on a garden wall. Plastic containers can be used for organizing drawers or storing cords and chargers. Old plastic bags can be fused together to create new items like grocery bags, baskets, or blankets.

Recycle Plastic Waste

It is important to properly recycle plastic waste to prevent it from ending up in oceans and water bodies. Check with your local recycling program to find out which types of plastic they accept. Some communities have specific drop-off locations for certain types of plastic, like plastic bags, wrap, and film. Retailers often accept plastic bags for recycling, and some community programs recycle polystyrene or Styrofoam (#6 plastics). Additionally, consider selling or donating unwanted plastic items that are still in good condition, so others can reuse them.

Dispose of chemical cleaners, oils, and non-biodegradable items properly

When disposing of chemical cleaners, oils, and non-biodegradable items, it is important to follow proper procedures to minimise any potential harm to the environment. Here are some detailed guidelines for each category:

Chemical Cleaners

Most household chemical cleaners can be disposed of as normal household waste. However, it is crucial to read the labels and follow any specific disposal instructions provided by the manufacturer. For example, certain antibacterial cleaning products containing triclosan should not be poured down the drain as they may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Water-soluble cleaning products, such as laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, multi-surface cleaners, and bleaches, can generally be flushed down the drain with running water. Solid cleaning products, such as bar soaps and toilet bowl cleaners, can be safely thrown away in the trash.

If you have unused cleaning products, consider using them up or donating them to local charities, churches, or homeless shelters. Always remember to recycle the containers of the cleaning products, as most of them are made from plastics that are widely recycled.

Oils

Used cooking oils and fats should never be poured down the drain, as they can solidify and clog pipes, leading to plumbing issues. Instead, let the oil cool down and solidify, then scrape or pour it into a disposable container, such as a milk carton or a jar, before disposing of it in the trash. Alternatively, you can reuse cooking oil by filtering it or mixing it with absorbent materials like sand, flour, or cat litter. Some communities and businesses also recycle cooking oil, sending it to refineries that transform it into biodiesel. Check with your local recycling centre to see if they accept used cooking oil.

Non-Biodegradable Items

Non-biodegradable items are those that cannot be broken down by naturally occurring microorganisms into compounds found in nature. Each country has its own standards for what is considered biodegradable. For example, in the United States, an item must have 60% broken down within 180 days in a commercial composting facility to be deemed biodegradable. Therefore, it is essential to educate yourself on the products you purchase and learn the best way to dispose of them properly. Recycling or reusing non-biodegradable items whenever possible can help reduce the size of landfills.

Reduce water usage by installing water-efficient appliances

Water efficiency is the smart use of water resources through water-saving technologies and simple steps that can be taken around the house. One of the simplest ways to save both water and energy is to install water-efficient products.

Upgrading your home's water appliances and fixtures can be cost-effective and can significantly reduce your water consumption, leading to lower water bills and a better environmental footprint. For example, installing a water-efficient toilet can save hundreds of gallons of water per year. Toilets manufactured before 1990 used 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush, whereas water-efficient toilets use 1.2 gallons per flush or less. Similarly, water-efficient showerheads use less than 2 gallons of water per minute, reducing water and electricity costs. High-efficiency faucets in the bathroom and kitchen will also improve the aesthetic of these rooms while significantly reducing water usage.

Dishwashers and washing machines have also become much more efficient due to improved technology. Energy Star-certified dishwashers and washing machines are both energy- and water-efficient. According to Energy Star, a certified dishwasher only costs about $35 a year to run, and a certified washing machine uses 33% less water and 25% less energy than a regular machine.

WaterSense-labelled products are independently certified to meet EPA criteria for efficiency and performance. WaterSense-labelled homes offer more savings compared to traditional homes, and WaterSense also reminds Americans to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems each year during Fix a Leak Week to prevent small household leaks that can add up to gallons of water lost every day.

Reduce fertiliser use and opt for phosphorus-free options

Fertilisers are a significant source of water pollution, particularly when they contain nitrogen and phosphorus. These chemicals can contaminate water bodies when they are not fully utilised by plants, leading to a range of negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health.

Nitrogen-containing compounds from fertilisers can be carried by rainwater into surface water bodies, causing pollution. This can be mitigated by reducing fertiliser use and opting for phosphorus-free options. Excess nitrogen in water can lead to eutrophication, creating "dead zones" where fish and other aquatic life cannot survive. It can also contribute to harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems, which produce toxins harmful to humans and wildlife.

Phosphorus from fertilisers can also be washed into waterways during rain or snow melt, or leach through the soil into groundwater over time. High levels of phosphorus can cause similar issues to nitrogen, including eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. To reduce phosphorus pollution, it is essential to keep organic matter like leaves, grass clippings, and other waste off streets and storm sewers. This is because, once in the water, phosphorus can promote algae growth.

Individuals can play a role in reducing phosphorus pollution by using no-phosphorus or low-phosphorus fertilisers on lawns and gardens. When purchasing fertilisers, look for formulas with a middle number (representing phosphorus) of zero, such as 22-0-15. Lower phosphorus options are also available, with numbers like 13-2-13 or 20-3-19. Additionally, individuals can opt for phosphorus-free soaps, detergents, and household cleaning products, as some of these products contain phosphates, a form of phosphorus.

Farmers can also implement practices to reduce nutrient pollution from fertilisers. This includes using cover crops or perennial species to prevent periods of bare ground when soil erosion and nutrient loss are more likely. They can also plant trees, shrubs, and grasses along the edges of fields, especially those bordering water bodies, to act as a buffer. Furthermore, installing fences along streams, rivers, and lakes can help keep livestock and their waste out of the water, reducing the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering these ecosystems.

Pick up dog waste and clean up blocked storm sewers

Storm sewers are designed to carry stormwater, which is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. As stormwater flows, it collects and transports animal waste, litter, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, grease, soil, and other potential pollutants. These pollutants are then emptied directly into streams and rivers without treatment, degrading our lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

To prevent water pollution, it is important to keep storm sewers clear of blockages and ensure that they are functioning properly. One common source of blockage in storm sewers is leaves, trash, and other debris. It is important to regularly clean and maintain storm sewers to prevent such blockages. This includes disposing of trash, leaves, and grass properly and not dumping anything down storm drains.

Dog waste is a significant contributor to water pollution, as it contains harmful bacteria, chemicals, and nutrients such as phosphorus. When left on the ground, dog waste can be washed down storm drains, contaminating local waterways and beaches. To prevent this, it is crucial to pick up after your dog and dispose of their waste properly. Bagging and throwing dog waste into the trash can help prevent harmful bacteria and chemicals from entering water bodies.

In addition to picking up dog waste, individuals can take other actions to prevent storm sewer blockages and water pollution. For example, individuals should avoid washing their cars in their driveways, as the dirty, soapy runoff can flow into storm sewers. Instead, they should take their vehicles to a commercial car wash, use a bucket of soapy water, or wash their cars in an area where the water will soak into the ground, such as a patch of gravel or a grassy area.

By properly disposing of dog waste, maintaining clear storm sewers, and being mindful of other sources of water pollution, individuals can play a crucial role in preventing water pollution and protecting our waterways.

Frequently asked questions