Protecting Our Waterways: Preventing Pollution To Stay Safe

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas being inundated with waste, chemicals, plastics, and other pollutants. While we are all responsible for this issue to some extent, there are numerous ways to prevent water contamination and reduce our impact on the environment. This includes reducing plastic consumption and reusing or recycling plastic, properly disposing of chemical cleaners, oils, and non-biodegradable items, maintaining your car to prevent leaks, and minimising the use of pesticides and herbicides.

Characteristics	Values
Use of non-toxic and biodegradable cleaners	Spending a little extra money on these products can help cut down on water pollution
Disposal of grease, fat, and used cooking oil	Dispose of grease, fat, and used cooking oil in the trash or keep them in a "fat jar" for disposal with other solid waste
Use phosphate-free cleaning products	Phosphates can lead to algae blooms that kill fish and other aquatic animals by reducing the oxygen in the water
Run washing machine with a full load of clothes	Wash with warm water instead of hot, rinse with cold water instead of warm
Install water-efficient showerheads	Install a water-efficient showerhead (2.5 gallons or less per minute)
Take short showers and draw less water for baths	Take short showers and draw less water for baths to reduce water usage
Install low flow toilets	Purchase a low flow model (1.6 gallons or less per flush)
Use drought-tolerant plants and grasses for landscaping	Reduce grass-covered areas and cut your grass at least three inches high to make it more drought-tolerant
Water only in the evening or very early morning	Minimize evaporation
Use porous pavement	Using porous pavement (e.g. gravel) instead of asphalt for driveways and walkways allows rainwater to recharge groundwater supplies
Use a broom instead of a hose	Use a broom instead of a hose to clean off your driveway or sidewalk
Wash your car less often	Wash your car less frequently or wash it at a car wash where they clean and recycle water
Do not pour fat, oil, or grease down the sink	Keep a "fat jar" under the sink to collect fat, oil, or grease for disposal
Do not dispose of household chemicals or cleaning agents down the sink or toilet	Many household chemicals can be safely recycled at community collection centers or hazardous waste collection events
Install swales, detention ponds, or rain gardens	Install shallow trenches across slopes to retain water and filter pollutants
Plant native plants and trees along waterways	Prevent pollution, especially eroding soil (sediment), from getting into waterways

What You'll Learn

Properly store and handle agricultural chemicals
Prevent soil erosion on farmland with cover crops
Install wastewater management systems
Reduce use of deicers and toxic chemicals
Dispose of household chemicals properly

Properly store and handle agricultural chemicals

Agricultural chemicals, such as fuels, solvents, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilisers, and veterinary chemicals, can be extremely dangerous and harmful to the environment if not properly stored and handled. Here are some detailed and direct instructions to ensure the safe storage and handling of agricultural chemicals:

Firstly, during transport, chemicals should be kept separate from food, water, animal feeds, seeds, and fertilisers. This applies to both household and bulk transportation. Drums of chemicals should not be transported in enclosed cabins with people, and the load should be secured. It is also important to carry a written record of the chemicals being transported and to have appropriate protective gear readily available.

Secondly, ensure that anyone handling agricultural chemicals is suitably trained to use both the chemicals themselves and any equipment required for application. To reduce the risk of spills and splashes, use chemical decanting kits when mixing chemicals, and only mix the quantity required for the specific task. The mixing area should be well-ventilated, and if it is not, ensure that recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn.

Thirdly, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper disposal of chemicals and rinsate from equipment. Triple-rinse equipment after chemical application and appropriately dispose of the rinsate, as it contains low concentrations of the chemical. Puncture empty containers to prevent reuse and either return them to the manufacturer or check with your local council about proper disposal methods. Regularly audit your chemical store and dispose of excess or outdated chemicals using the correct methods.

Lastly, consider replacing hazardous chemicals with less toxic options where possible. Pellets, for example, may be a safer alternative to powders. Always treat chemicals with extreme caution and follow the instructions for use. Be aware of the potential health risks of chemical exposure, which can include headaches, poisoning, burns, birth defects, nervous system disorders, and certain types of cancer.

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Prevent soil erosion on farmland with cover crops

Water pollution is a serious issue, with finite sources of drinkable water on the planet and increasing demand. The agricultural sector is a major consumer of water resources and a significant contributor to water pollution. One way to reduce water pollution is by preventing soil erosion on farmland through the use of cover crops.

Cover crops are plants that are grown to protect the soil and improve its health. They can be annual or perennial plants, including cereals, brassicas, legumes, and other broadleaf species. Cover crops are a valuable tool for farmers to minimize soil movement and erosion, thereby reducing pollution from agricultural activities.

By planting cover crops, farmers can increase surface roughness and reduce wind speed near the soil surface, minimizing wind erosion. The root systems of cover crops have a binding effect on the soil, stabilizing it and improving its structure. Additionally, cover crops protect the soil from the impact of raindrops and slow down the flow of water, enhancing rainwater infiltration.

To maximize the benefits of cover crops, it is important to achieve sufficient canopy cover and root establishment. A soil cover of 30% can reduce water runoff by 50% and erosion by up to 80%. Oats and brassica mixes are recommended for good ground cover in the autumn, while maize fields require active management to prevent soil erosion during winter.

Different cover crops are suited to different types of erosion. For example, cereal rye is a popular choice for protection from spring washouts and wind, while legumes, brassicas, and grasses are recommended after harvesting corn silage, dry beans, and some vegetable crops. Farmers can customize their cover crop choices based on the specific erosion challenges in their fields.

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Install wastewater management systems

Wastewater management systems are essential for treating and reducing water pollution. These systems process water from homes, businesses, and industries, removing contaminants before the treated water is released back into the environment.

Wastewater treatment facilities play a crucial role in reducing water pollution. In the United States, these facilities process approximately 34 billion gallons of wastewater daily, reducing pollutants such as pathogens, phosphorus, nitrogen, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals. However, aging and overburdened sewage systems can also release billions of gallons of untreated wastewater annually, contributing to water pollution.

There are two main types of wastewater treatment processes: decentralized systems and centralized systems. Decentralized systems include on-site treatment setups, while centralized systems involve a network of pipes and pump stations that convey sewage to a treatment plant. The treatment process typically consists of preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary stages. The preliminary and primary stages focus on removing rags and suspended solids, while the secondary stage targets dissolved and suspended organic materials. The tertiary stage achieves nutrient removal and further polishing of the wastewater, and disinfection destroys any remaining pathogens.

Septic systems are another type of wastewater management system, commonly used in approximately 20% of homes in the United States. These systems locally treat wastewater, but improper management can lead to elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels in local water bodies or groundwater. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to prevent septic system failure, which can result from aging infrastructure, poor design, overloading, and inadequate maintenance.

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Reduce use of deicers and toxic chemicals

Deicers are often used to melt ice and snow, but they can be harmful to the environment and contribute to water pollution. These chemicals can run off into streams and storm drains, impacting local waterways. Rock salt, or sodium chloride, is the most commonly used deicer, but it contains cyanide as an anti-caking agent, which is toxic to aquatic life and harmful to plants due to its high chloride levels.

To reduce the use of deicers, it is recommended to use alternatives for small or thin areas of ice. For example, you can use warm water mixed with table salt or water conditioning salt. Additionally, covering small areas like steps with heavy, waterproof plastic or a tarp before snowfall can help prevent ice buildup. It is also important to constantly monitor your use of deicers and follow label directions. Using deicers in small quantities can help reduce their environmental impact.

Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is another alternative that is considered safer for the environment. It is less toxic than chloride-containing deicers but may be more expensive. When using CMA, it is important to apply it before snow and ice start to accumulate and to remove as much snow and ice as possible before applying.

To further reduce the use of toxic chemicals, it is important to avoid disposing of household chemicals, cleaning agents, or medications down the sink or toilet. This includes things like motor oil, automotive fluids, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. These chemicals can contaminate water sources and harm the environment. Properly disposing of hazardous waste and utilizing a compost pile for vegetable scraps are recommended practices.

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Dispose of household chemicals properly

Properly disposing of household chemicals is essential to prevent water pollution. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Paints and Solvents

If you have water-based latex paint, allow it to dry out and harden before disposing of it with your household trash, if permitted in your area. Oil-based or alkyd paints, on the other hand, should be stored and disposed of through a household hazardous waste collection program. Avoid pouring paint, solvents, or other similar substances down your drains or storm drains, as they can contaminate water sources.

Automotive Products and Fuels

Automotive products such as antifreeze, motor oil, and fuels should be taken to a local hazardous waste management site or a designated collection point. Recycling centers and service stations often accept used motor oil for recycling, and some automotive retailers may take back automotive batteries. Never throw motor oil in the trash, as this is illegal and harmful to water sources.

Cleaners and Polishes

Avoid pouring metal polishes, wood polishes, waxes, and solvent-based cleaners down the drain. Instead, store them until you can dispose of them through a household hazardous waste collection program. Most disinfectants should also be used according to label instructions and disposed of through waste collection programs when in doubt about their ingredients.

Drugs and Medicines

Medicines, including prescription, non-prescription, and over-the-counter drugs, should be returned to a drug take-back program if available in your community. If not, remove them from their original containers, mix them with undesirable substances like cat litter or used coffee grounds, and place the mixture in a sealed container or bag before disposing of them in the trash.

Sharps and E-Cigarettes

Used sharps, such as needles and syringes, should be placed in a puncture-proof container and disposed of through a household hazardous waste program. Similarly, e-cigarette pods, cartridges, and refill bottles containing nicotine fluid can be disposed of through these programs.

Cooking Fats and Oils

Fats, oils, and grease from cooking should not be poured down the sink. Keep a "fat jar" under the sink to collect these substances and discard them in the solid waste when full.