Controlling River Pollution: Strategies To Combat Water Contamination

Water pollution is a widespread problem that jeopardizes human health. Our rivers are drowning in chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants. Controlling water pollution in rivers is the duty of every citizen as they are the source of our drinking water and food production. Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate a river, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic. To control water pollution in rivers, it is essential to prevent polluted runoff, keep rivers clean, and implement effective pollution cleanup solutions.

Ways to Control Water Pollution in Rivers:

Reduce the use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides

Fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides are a major source of water pollution, particularly in freshwater systems. These chemicals are often laden with nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause eutrophication of water bodies, leading to hypoxia or "dead zones" that result in fish kills and a decline in aquatic life. Excess nutrients can also cause harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems, which produce toxins harmful to both wildlife and humans.

To reduce the use of fertilizers, it is important to adopt nutrient management techniques. Farmers can play a crucial role by applying nutrients (fertilizer and manure) in the right quantities, at the appropriate time of year, and with the correct methods and placement. This ensures that the growing plants fully utilize the nitrogen and phosphorus, reducing the amount that can be washed into nearby waterways. Additionally, farmers can plant cover crops or perennial species to prevent periods of bare ground, as exposed soil is more susceptible to erosion and nutrient loss. Implementing conservation tillage practices can also help by reducing the frequency and intensity of tilling, leading to improved soil health and decreased nutrient runoff.

Regarding herbicides, it is essential to recognize that these chemicals are designed to kill unwanted plants. However, when used excessively or improperly, they can find their way into rivers and streams, causing unintended harm to aquatic ecosystems. To mitigate this issue, individuals can opt for more natural landscaping approaches, such as using native plants that require less watering and fertilizing. Embracing the occasional dandelion or weed in your lawn can contribute to reducing herbicide usage and minimizing its impact on water sources.

Pesticides, like herbicides, are intended to control unwanted organisms. However, their use can result in water pollution when they are washed away by rain or seep into the soil, eventually contaminating groundwater and drinking water sources. To address this, individuals can opt for more natural alternatives, such as integrated pest management strategies, which utilize beneficial insects or natural predators to control pest populations. On a larger scale, supporting policies and regulations that restrict the use of harmful pesticides and promote sustainable agricultural practices can help reduce their presence in our waterways.

By implementing these measures and reducing the use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, we can significantly decrease their impact on our precious water resources, protecting both the environment and human health.

Properly dispose of hazardous household items

Preventing water pollution in rivers involves controlling polluted runoff and properly disposing of hazardous household items. Hazardous household waste (HHW) includes items such as cleaners, paints, oils, batteries, pesticides, and other products that contain hazardous ingredients. Improper disposal of these items can pollute waterways and pose risks to human health and the environment. Here are some guidelines for properly disposing of hazardous household items:

• Monitor use, storage, and disposal: Always follow the instructions for use and storage provided on product labels to prevent accidents. Be mindful of disposal directions to reduce the risk of explosions, leaks, or contamination.
• Keep original containers and labels: Never transfer hazardous products into food containers. Store them in their original containers with the labels intact. This helps identify the contents and handle them safely.
• Utilize community collection programs: Many communities have permanent or periodic HHW collection programs to reduce the potential harm posed by hazardous chemicals. Search for "household hazardous waste" near your zip code or contact local agencies to find collection sites or special collection days.
• Recycle or dispose of items properly: Some local businesses may accept specific HHW items for recycling. For example, certain garages collect used motor oil for recycling. Always handle and transport HHW with care, even if the containers are empty, as they may contain residual chemicals.
• Reduce and replace hazardous products: Minimize the purchase of products containing hazardous ingredients. Opt for environmentally friendly, natural alternatives, or explore simple recipes to make your own household cleaners and pest control solutions.
• Dispose of medications responsibly: Properly disposing of prescription drugs and medications is crucial. Locate designated drop-off points or collection events for safe pharmaceutical disposal.
• Dispose of light bulbs correctly: CFL and fluorescent bulbs contain hazardous materials and should be placed in sealed plastic bags before disposal or recycling.

Keep trash out of yards and streets

Keeping trash out of yards and streets is essential to preventing water pollution in rivers. When trash accumulates in these areas, it can be washed into nearby waterways, such as rivers, during rainstorms. This contributes to the growing problem of water pollution, where rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas are filled with chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants.

• Properly dispose of hazardous waste: Oils, anti-freeze, paint, solvents, cleaners, preservatives, and prescription drugs should not be poured down drains or into storm sewers. These substances are highly toxic and can contaminate local waterways, causing harm to both humans and the environment.
• Reduce the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides: These chemicals are a significant source of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, which can lead to toxic runoff into waterways. Opt for native plants that require less watering and fertilizing, and consider accepting the presence of some weeds in your yard.
• Maintain your septic system: Schedule regular inspections and maintenance of your septic system to ensure it is functioning properly. Failing septic systems can leak waste into the groundwater, which can eventually reach rivers and other water bodies.
• Landscape with native plants: Landscaping with native plants can help reduce stormwater runoff. Native grasses and plants require less watering and fertilizing, reducing the amount of chemicals and water entering the watershed.
• Keep storm sewers and drains clear: Trash and litter blocking storm sewers and drains can increase the risk of pollution. By keeping these areas clear, you can prevent trash from entering the water and reduce the likelihood of street floods during heavy storms.
• Pick up after your pets: Pet waste is a common source of water pollution. Be a responsible pet owner and always clean up after your furry friends to minimize the impact on the environment.
• Support environmental policies: Get involved in your community and vote for thoughtful land use and conservation policies. Advocate for stricter regulations to hold polluters accountable and protect our waterways for future generations.

Support policies for thoughtful and responsible land use

Thoughtful and responsible land use is critical to controlling water pollution in rivers. Here are some policies that can support and promote such land use practices:

Policy 1: Promote Conservation and Responsible Land Use

Local, state, and federal governments should work together to advocate for and enforce conservation policies and responsible land use practices. This includes:

• Encouraging the preservation of natural landscapes and habitats.
• Implementing regulations to minimize the use of impervious surfaces, which can contribute to water pollution by increasing stormwater runoff.
• Establishing buffer zones, such as native plant landscapes, to help filter and absorb pollutants before they reach rivers.

Policy 2: Support Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Agriculture is a significant source of water pollution, especially through the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and manure. Policies should be implemented to:

• Provide education and resources to farmers on sustainable practices, such as using cover crops, reducing fertilizer and pesticide use, and properly managing manure application.
• Enforce regulations that limit the use of chemicals and promote organic farming methods.
• Encourage the adoption of precision agriculture technologies that optimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides, reducing the overall amount released into the environment.

Policy 3: Strengthen Pollution Prevention and Control Measures

• Implement and enforce strict pollution prevention laws, such as the Pollution Prevention Act, which focuses on source reduction.
• Provide technical and financial assistance to farmers and landowners to help them adopt more sustainable practices and improve their septic systems.
• Facilitate collaboration between environmental agencies and indigenous communities to address pollution on Indian lands.
• Ensure proper disposal of hazardous household items, such as oils, paints, and chemicals, by providing accessible and safe disposal facilities.

Policy 4: Encourage Community Education and Participation

• Promote community involvement in river protection by providing education on the impacts of land use on water quality.
• Encourage individuals to make environmentally conscious choices, such as reducing fertilizer use on lawns and properly disposing of household chemicals.
• Foster an informed electorate that advocates for responsible land use policies and supports initiatives that protect local waterways.

Policy 5: Integrate Watershed and Land-Use Planning

• Local governments should collaborate with watershed groups, landowners, and environmental organizations to develop comprehensive plans that address water quality protection within specific watersheds.
• Policies should consider the interconnectedness of groundwater, surface water, and wetlands, ensuring that actions are coordinated to protect the entire watershed.
• Planning should include regulations and incentives that promote responsible land use, such as limiting development in environmentally sensitive areas and incorporating natural infrastructure.

Prevent agricultural waste from entering rivers

Agriculture is a serious water polluter, with farming and livestock production using about 70% of the Earth's surface water supplies. It is the leading cause of water degradation worldwide and the top source of contamination in rivers and streams.

Farmers apply nutrients to their fields in the form of chemical fertilizers and animal manure, which provide crops with the nitrogen and phosphorus necessary to grow and produce food. However, when nitrogen and phosphorus are not fully utilized by the growing plants, they can be lost from the farm fields and negatively impact the water quality of nearby rivers. This excess nitrogen and phosphorus are washed from farm fields into waterways during rain and snowmelt events and can also leach through the soil and into groundwater over time.

To prevent agricultural waste from entering rivers, farmers and ranchers can:

• Install fencing along streams, rivers, and lakes to block livestock access and prevent animal waste from entering the water.
• Engage in watershed efforts by collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders and organizations to reduce nutrient pollution in water and air.
• Reduce nutrient loss by implementing USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Conservation Practice Standards, which provide a baseline for responsible nutrient management.
• Reduce or eliminate the use of fertilizers and chemical herbicides and pesticides, which are a significant source of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and toxic runoff.
• Inspect and service septic systems regularly to ensure proper functioning, as waste from failing systems can leak into groundwater and eventually enter local waterways.

Frequently asked questions