Water Pollution: Strategies For Effective Control And Sustainability

Water pollution is a pressing issue that claims the lives of over a million people annually. The leading causes of water degradation worldwide are toxic substances from farms, towns, and factories, which readily dissolve into and mix with water. The main culprits are plastics, industrial waste, pesticides, bacteria, and fertilizers. However, individuals can play a significant role in reducing water pollution through simple, everyday changes at home. These include properly disposing of waste, reducing the use of single-use plastics, and being mindful of the substances that go down the drain. Governments also play a crucial role in imposing fines and penalties on companies that pollute water, encouraging businesses to prioritize clean water.

Treat sewage waste before discharge

Sewage waste is a major contributor to water pollution and it is important to treat it before discharge to prevent further contamination. There are several ways to do this, and it is a legal requirement in many places to do so.

Firstly, sewage can be treated through aeration. This involves introducing air to the sewage, allowing the bacteria present to thrive and break down the waste as their food supply. This is a natural process that uses bacteria to effectively consume the sewage. After this process, the remaining liquid waste can be further treated with chlorine tablets, UV disinfection, or other methods of disinfection to ensure bacteria levels are reduced.

There are also different types of marine sanitation devices (MSDs) that can be used to treat sewage waste. These include Type I, Type II, and Type III MSDs. Type I and II MSDs are flow-through devices that use a combination of maceration and disinfection to treat vessel sewage. Type I MSDs are suitable for smaller vessels, while Type II MSDs are biological systems designed for larger vessels. These can achieve better treatment levels due to their biological component. Type III MSDs, on the other hand, are holding tanks that do not treat sewage onboard but instead store the sewage effluent to prevent overboard discharge.

In addition to these methods, individuals can also play a role in treating sewage waste. This includes properly disposing of household chemicals and fats, oils, and grease. Instead of pouring these down the sink or toilet, they should be discarded as solid waste. Furthermore, individuals can install water-efficient showerheads, take shorter showers, and use drought-tolerant plants for landscaping to reduce water usage and, consequently, the amount of sewage waste generated.

Reduce nonpoint source pollution

Nonpoint source pollution is a type of water pollution that comes from indirect sources and is more challenging to identify and manage. It includes stormwater runoff, which can pick up fertilizers and pesticides, soil from construction sites, and oil residue from streets, and carries these pollutants into water bodies. To reduce nonpoint source pollution, several strategies can be implemented:

Implement Buffer Strips

Buffer strips are areas of grass or vegetation located between fields or construction sites and bodies of water. They act as a natural filter by absorbing soil, fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants before they reach water sources. This prevents the contaminants from being carried away by stormwater runoff and helps maintain water quality.

Practice Conservation Tillage

Conservation tillage involves leaving crop residue from a previous harvest when planting a new crop. This method reduces soil erosion as the field is not plowed, keeping nutrients and pesticides in place. It also helps retain moisture, reducing the need for excessive irrigation, which can lead to runoff.

Improve Soil and Nutrient Management

Farmers can test their fields before the growing season to determine the precise nutrient requirements. By applying fertilizers sparingly and only when needed, excess nutrient runoff can be prevented. This ensures that fertilizers benefit the crops while minimizing their environmental impact.

Use Integrated Pest Management

Adopting integrated pest management practices can reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, praying mantises, and spiders, can be introduced to control agricultural pests naturally. This not only reduces the amount of pesticides reaching water bodies but also promotes biodiversity and a healthier ecosystem.

Implement Best Management Practices in Construction

Construction sites can contribute to nonpoint source pollution through soil erosion and the discharge of chemicals. Implementing sediment fences or retaining fences can help trap large materials and filter sediment and contaminants from stormwater runoff. Porous paving materials can also be used to allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge.

Promote Proper Waste Disposal

Educating communities about proper waste disposal is crucial. Household chemicals, such as used oil, antifreeze, paints, and cleaning agents, should not be poured down drains or sewers. Instead, communities should establish programs for collecting and properly disposing of hazardous household wastes.

Prevent stormwater runoff

Stormwater runoff is rain that falls on developed land, such as streets, parking areas, rooftops, and sports fields, and flows directly into nearby bodies of water. This water picks up and mixes with pollutants on the ground, such as litter, accidental spills, leaky storage containers, and tobacco spit. To prevent stormwater runoff, several measures can be implemented:

Impervious Surfaces

Direct your downspouts towards vegetated areas instead of storm drains. For areas like driveways and patios, consider using permeable paving or patterns of cement and brick that allow water to filter through. Porous pavement, such as gravel, can be used instead of asphalt, allowing rainwater to recharge groundwater supplies and reduce erosion.

Proper Disposal of Substances

Do not dispose of used oil, fat, grease, or household chemicals down the sink or drain. Used motor oil should be recycled, and spills should be cleaned up with sand or kitty litter. Keep a "fat jar" to collect fat and discard it as solid waste.

Yard and Street Maintenance

Keep trash, litter, and tobacco products off your yard, streets, and bodies of water. Sweep fertilizer back onto the grass if it spills onto paved areas, and avoid fertilizing before rainfall. Compost or mulch grass and yard waste.

Vehicle Maintenance

Repair any oil leaks in your vehicle and recycle used motor oil. Wash your car less frequently or use a car wash that recycles water. If washing your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water instead of a running hose.

Protect watersheds

Protecting watersheds is essential to ensuring clean drinking water and preserving aquatic ecosystems. Watersheds are areas of land that collect and drain rainwater or snow into bodies of water like streams, lakes, or wetlands. These water sources provide drinking water, support agriculture and manufacturing, offer recreational opportunities, and sustain diverse habitats. Here are some ways to protect watersheds:

• Smart Building Practices: Avoid constructing buildings in environmentally sensitive areas like flood plains. Minimize the use of impervious surfaces, and incorporate design elements that capture and retain water. This reduces the risk of flooding and allows for natural filtration of pollutants.
• Reduce Pollutants: Properly dispose of motor oil, pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals. Avoid flushing medications and take advantage of drug take-back programs. Use hardy plants that require minimal watering, fertilizers, or pesticides in your yard.
• Prevent Runoff: Use porous pavement, such as gravel, for driveways and walkways. This allows rainwater to recharge groundwater supplies instead of contributing to erosion and runoff. Sweep fertilizer back onto the grass to prevent it from washing into storm drains.
• Conserve Water: Take shorter showers, fix leaks, and turn off faucets when not in use. Water your plants during the early morning or evening to minimize evaporation. Wash your car less frequently or use a car wash that recycles water.
• Watershed Management: Support and participate in watershed management groups that work with local governments to set and maintain ecologically acceptable instream flows. These groups also track watershed health and protection status, ensuring sustainable water usage.

Improve water treatment infrastructure

Improving water treatment infrastructure is essential to controlling water pollution. This involves investing in advanced technology and systems to treat contaminated water effectively. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Upgrade Sewage Plants and Treatment Systems

Upgrading old sewage plants and constructing modern treatment facilities are crucial steps in enhancing water treatment infrastructure. These upgrades can incorporate advanced treatment technologies that effectively remove contaminants, including microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and other emerging pollutants.

Support the Clean Water Act and Advocate for Stronger Regulations

The Clean Water Act has been instrumental in holding polluters accountable for five decades. However, it is essential to advocate for regulations that address modern-day challenges. This includes pushing for policies that target microplastics, PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants that traditional wastewater treatment plants were not designed to handle.

Implement Stormwater-Abating Green Infrastructure

Investing in green infrastructure can help mitigate stormwater pollution. This involves creating natural systems, such as wetlands and rain gardens, that capture and treat stormwater runoff before it enters water bodies. These natural solutions can effectively remove pollutants, reduce flooding, and improve water quality.

Prioritize Lead-Pipe Removal Programs

Lead-pipe removal programs are essential to protecting public health and ensuring safe drinking water. Removing and replacing lead pipes with safer alternatives can prevent lead contamination, reducing the risk of adverse health effects associated with lead exposure.

Encourage Public Education and Participation in Policymaking

Involving the public in the policymaking process is crucial. Educating communities about water pollution and its prevention can foster a sense of collective responsibility. Engaging the public in decision-making processes ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to more effective and widely accepted solutions.

Frequently asked questions