Simple Ways To Reduce Water Pollution At Home

Water pollution is a pressing issue that affects everyone on the planet, and it's essential that we all do our part to tackle it. While individual actions might seem insignificant, they can collectively create a ripple effect of positive change. This is especially true when it comes to household habits, which play a significant role in contributing to water pollution. By making small changes in our daily routines, we can significantly reduce water pollution and ensure access to clean drinking water for future generations.

Avoid pouring fats, oils, grease, and fat from cooking down the sink

Pouring fats, oils, grease, and fat from cooking down the sink is a common mistake that can lead to plumbing issues and water pollution. Here are some reasons why you should avoid doing this:

Clogged Pipes and Plumbing Issues

Grease may seem like a liquid when hot, but as it cools, it solidifies. When grease is poured down the drain, it sticks to the pipe walls and hardens, trapping other debris and causing clogs. These clogs can bring your drains to a standstill and require costly repairs. Even if hot water and soap are used, they only provide a temporary solution and do not prevent the grease from solidifying further down the pipe.

Sewer System Damage

The problem of grease disposal extends beyond your home plumbing. Even if the grease makes it past your pipes, it can cause significant damage to the municipal sewer system. Grease combines with other waste and forms solid obstructions known as "fatbergs," which can cost cities millions of dollars annually to clear.

Water Pollution

When grease enters the sewer system, it contributes to water pollution. As it solidifies and mixes with other waste, it becomes challenging to remove, leading to contaminated water. This contaminated water can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and introduce harmful contaminants, affecting both wildlife and human health.

Alternative Disposal Methods

Instead of pouring grease down the sink, there are simple and mess-free alternatives:

• Pour grease into an empty jar, can, or container. Let it cool and harden, then throw the container into the trash.
• Wipe out the grease from the pan with paper towels after it has solidified. Dispose of the paper towels in the trash and ensure your garbage can is emptied regularly to prevent odours.
• Keep a "fat jar" under the sink to collect grease. When the jar is full, discard it in the solid waste.

Do not dispose of household chemicals, cleaning agents, medications, or drugs down the sink or toilet

Disposing of household chemicals, cleaning agents, medications, or drugs down the sink or toilet is a harmful practice that can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Here are several reasons why this should be avoided:

Impact on Water Sources

Flushing these substances down the drain or toilet can contaminate water sources. Many household chemicals, such as cleaning agents, contain toxic chemicals that can pollute drinking water. These chemicals may flow into surface waters and eventually reach groundwater sources, posing a risk to human health and the environment. Similarly, medications and drugs flushed down the drain can enter lakes, rivers, and streams. Studies have detected antibiotics, hormones, and antidepressants in water bodies, which can harm aquatic life and interfere with their reproduction and growth.

Ineffective Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater treatment systems are often ill-equipped to remove medications and drugs effectively. When flushed down the toilet or drain, these substances enter the wastewater treatment system, which is designed to clean the water. However, many treatment systems lack the necessary mechanisms to eliminate medications, leading to their presence in our drinking water.

Alternative Disposal Methods

Instead of disposing of chemicals, cleaning agents, medications, or drugs down the sink or toilet, it is essential to explore safer alternatives. For household chemicals and cleaning agents, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper disposal. Some communities have hazardous waste collection days or programs where such substances can be disposed of safely. For medications and drugs, it is advisable to return them to drug take-back programs or use medication drop-off sites, which are often located at law enforcement facilities and pharmacies. These sites provide secure and environmentally responsible ways to dispose of unwanted or expired medications.

Health and Safety Risks

Improper disposal of household chemicals and medications can pose health and safety risks. Household chemicals, when not handled or disposed of correctly, can create poisonous gases, cause fires or explosions, and lead to severe health issues. Additionally, prescription drugs disposed of in home cabinets are a significant cause of accidental poisoning and drug misuse. It is crucial to keep these substances away from children and unauthorized individuals to prevent unintended consequences.

In summary, it is essential to refrain from disposing of household chemicals, cleaning agents, medications, or drugs down the sink or toilet. By following proper disposal methods, we can protect our water sources, safeguard human health, and minimize the impact of these substances on the environment.

Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket

Flushing items down the toilet that don't belong can have serious consequences. The toilet is not a wastebasket, and it's important to remember that. The sanitary sewer system is designed to get rid of human waste and toilet paper, not all kinds of waste. Every time something other than the three Ps (pee, poo, and paper) is flushed, it costs the community. These items can clog pipes and disrupt the wastewater treatment process, leading to backed-up pipes, damaged homes and businesses, increased maintenance costs, and higher sewer bills.

So, what should you do instead? Most tissues, wrappers, dust cloths, and other paper goods should be thrown in the trash. The same goes for makeup wipes and other items you use daily. Get a small trash can for your bathroom to make it easy to dispose of these items properly. By having a designated place for garbage, you can avoid clutter on your counters or floors and prevent germs from spreading.

Another important thing to remember is to never flush medications, expired or otherwise. Recent studies have shown that flushing pharmaceuticals can lead to environmental and human health issues. Instead, bring your unwanted medications to a local drug take-back site.

Lastly, avoid flushing "flushable" wipes, even if they claim to be safe. These products often do not degrade quickly enough and can cause serious and costly problems in sewer systems. Opt for reusable sponges or rags instead, which can be washed and reused.

Avoid using a garbage disposal

Garbage disposals are convenient, but they can contribute to water pollution. Here are some reasons why you should avoid using a garbage disposal and opt for alternative methods of waste disposal:

Keep Solid Wastes Solid

Garbage disposals break down solid food waste into tiny particles that can pass through the drain. These particles can include fats, oils, and grease, which can solidify and clog pipes. When oil enters a drainpipe, it coats the outer edges and solidifies as it cools, creating a layer that is challenging to remove. As more oil is poured down the drain, the clog becomes thicker, eventually blocking water flow. This can lead to costly repairs, inconvenience, and wasted water.

Reduce Water Pollution

The food waste ground up by garbage disposals can contain harmful substances that contribute to water pollution. Fats, oils, and grease are particularly problematic, as they can congeal and form clogs that can lead to sewer overflows and water contamination. Vegetable scraps, if not properly disposed of, can also contribute to water pollution. By avoiding the garbage disposal, you can keep these substances out of the water supply.

Composting as an Alternative

Instead of using a garbage disposal, consider starting a compost pile with your vegetable scraps. Composting is an effective way to recycle organic waste and improve soil health. It reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and helps retain water in the soil, decreasing erosion. Composting is a natural process that turns organic waste into a nutrient-rich material that can be used to fertilize gardens and lawns. It's a simple and eco-friendly way to dispose of food waste while also benefiting your garden.

Reduce Water Usage

Garbage disposals require water to function properly. By avoiding their use, you can conserve water. Opt for throwing solid food waste into the trash or starting a compost pile. This reduces the amount of water needed for disposal and helps save this precious resource.

Install a water-efficient toilet

Installing a water-efficient toilet is a great way to reduce household water pollution. Older toilets can use up to 7 gallons of water per flush, whereas modern toilets use far less. Water-efficient toilets can use as little as 1.1 gallons per flush, and many feature dual-flush technology, allowing you to choose between a reduced flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste.

Not only do water-efficient toilets help conserve water, but they can also lower your water bills and reduce the strain on municipal water systems. If you're handy, you can even install one yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare

Before you begin, gather the necessary materials and tools. Research your local plumbing codes and regulations to ensure your new toilet complies with them. You'll also need to purchase a new water-saving toilet, as well as some brass tank bolts and a tank-to-bowl gasket, which typically come with the new toilet.

Step 2: Remove the Old Toilet

Start by shutting off the water supply to the toilet, usually located to the left of the fixture. Flush the toilet to drain the water and remove the remaining water with a sponge and bucket. Break the water connection from the hose to the tank, which you can usually do by hand. Next, use an open-ended adjustable wrench to loosen the closet bolts on both sides of the toilet, and then carefully lift the toilet straight up and off the bolts. Remove the wax around the flange with a putty knife, making sure to wear gloves. Check that the closet flange is intact and replace it if necessary. Be careful not to damage the existing plumbing connections or the floor around the toilet.

Step 3: Install the New Water-Efficient Toilet

Begin by assembling the new toilet using the brass tank bolts and tank-to-bowl gasket. Attach the new toilet seat to the bowl. Insert new closet bolts into the flange, and add a new wax ring. Carefully place the new toilet onto the flange, pushing it into the wax ring to set it in place. Secure the toilet by adding the washer and nut back onto the closet bolts and tightening them with the wrench. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the toilet. Cut the closet bolts close to the nut with a mini hacksaw, and add the toilet cap. Hand-tighten the water connection back to the toilet, and turn the water supply back on.

Step 4: Final Checks

Caulk the area around the bottom of the toilet to ensure a secure fit. Double-check that the new toilet is level and all connections are secure. Finally, flush the toilet a few times to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

By following these steps, you can successfully install a water-efficient toilet, reducing your household water pollution and water bills.

Frequently asked questions