Bronte Wells
Our rivers are drowning in chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants, and this widespread problem is jeopardizing our health. Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate a river, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment. While it is easy to associate river pollution with large factories and heavy industry, we too play a part in our everyday lives. From washing our hands or brushing our teeth to using household chemicals, we may be unwittingly polluting rivers. Simple changes to our habits can make a real difference to the water quality of our local river.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Avoid using products with anti-bacterial agents | Triclosan is an anti-bacterial agent that mimics the hormone estrogen in animals and can inhibit their reproductive systems and ability to swim. |
| Avoid using pesticides | Metaldehyde, the active ingredient in slug pellets, is toxic to aquatic life and persists in waterways. |
| Avoid using synthetic fibres | Synthetic clothing is a source of microplastics, which are ingested by aquatic animals and can cause neurological, fertility, and immune health problems. |
| Properly dispose of household chemicals and waste | Do not pour fat, oil, grease, or household chemicals down the sink or toilet. Keep a "fat jar" to collect fat and discard it in the solid waste. |
| Reduce use of fertilizers and herbicides | Fertilizers and herbicides are a source of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and toxic runoff. |
| Service your septic system regularly | Septic systems should be inspected yearly to ensure they are functioning properly and not leaking waste into groundwater and waterways. |
| Landscape with native plants | Native plants reduce stormwater runoff and require less watering and fertilizing than non-native plants. |
| Educate your community | Get involved in initiatives like storm drain stenciling to remind community members that only rainwater should enter storm drains. |
| Become an informed voter | Vote for responsible land use and conservation policies in your community. |
| Reduce plastic consumption | Plastic pollution in rivers contributes to plastic in the ocean and can be addressed through local litter picks and community education. |
| Address agricultural pollution | Farming and livestock production are major sources of water pollution, including manure, topsoil, pesticides, and fertilizers that wash into waterways. |
| Improve sewage treatment | Untreated sewage and rainwater mixed with raw sewage are discharged into rivers during heavy rain, contributing to pollution. |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce use of chemicals and pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill pests, including insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides), and fungi (fungicides). They are used to protect crops and play a significant role in food production. However, pesticides are potentially toxic to humans and can have adverse effects on both environmental and human health. Older, cheaper pesticides can remain in the soil and water for years and have been linked to neurological, fertility, and immune health problems.
To reduce the use of pesticides, individuals can make conscious choices in their homes and yards. Lawn fertilizers and chemicals are a significant source of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and toxic runoff, so it is essential to reduce or eliminate their use. Properly dispose of pesticide containers by triple-rinsing them to prevent rainwater from leaking pesticides into the environment.
Additionally, individuals can landscape with native plants, which require less watering and fertilizing. Educating the community about bay-friendly landscaping can also help reduce stormwater runoff and, consequently, pesticide use.
At a broader level, individuals can support policies and regulations that aim to reduce the use of pesticides. For example, the European Green Deal sets a target to reduce the use of and risks from chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030. Voting for thoughtful and responsible land use and conservation policies can help advocate for a cleaner environment and reduce pesticide pollution in rivers.
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Dispose of fats and oils properly
Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are a major cause of pollution in water bodies, including rivers. When poured down sinks, garbage disposals, or storm drains, they solidify and accumulate in sewer pipes, leading to blockages, backups, pipe bursts, and overflows. This not only affects the pipes and drainage systems but also contributes to river pollution.
To properly dispose of fats and oils, follow these steps:
Don't pour fats and oils down the drain
This is the most important step. Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the sink, garbage disposal, or storm drain. This includes fats and oils from cooking, such as butter, cooking oils, and leftover grease.
Scrape and absorb
After cooking, use a spatula or spoon to scrape off as much fat and oil from pots, pans, and dishes as possible. Then, use a paper towel to absorb any remaining grease.
Cool and solidify
Allow the fats and oils to cool and solidify. You can speed up this process by placing the fats and oils in the refrigerator or freezer.
Dispose of solidified fats and oils
Once solidified, scrape the fats and oils into a sealed container, such as a jar, can, or bottle. You can also use plastic containers, such as old yogurt containers or plastic produce bags. Make sure the container is sturdy and sealed to prevent leaks.
Dispose of the container
Dispose of the sealed container in your household trash or at a local recycling center. Do not pour the solidified fats and oils directly into the trash, as they can melt and cause a mess.
Use a "fat jar"
Keep a dedicated "fat jar" under your sink to collect fats and oils. When the jar is full, seal it and dispose of it with your solid waste.
Connect drains to grease traps
If you have sinks or floor drains that may take in oil, connect them to a grease trap or grease separation device. Grease traps can help separate grease from water and prevent it from entering the drainage system. Clean and maintain grease traps regularly.
Contract a grease handler
For larger quantities of grease, such as in commercial kitchens, contract a grease handler to remove grease from interceptor tanks periodically. This will ensure that grease is properly disposed of and doesn't end up in the river.
By properly disposing of fats and oils, you can help reduce river pollution and keep your drainage systems clear and functioning.
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Avoid plastic consumption
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that poses a serious danger to marine life. Animals can get tangled in plastic trash or mistake it for food, leading to ingestion, suffocation, and internal injuries. As plastic breaks down, it releases toxic chemicals, affecting both wildlife and human health. With plastic production increasing exponentially, it is imperative to address this global crisis.
One significant way to reduce plastic consumption is to limit the use of single-use plastics. These include items such as plastic bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, and coffee cup lids. Opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible. For example, carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag, and avoid products packaged in plastic by choosing loose items or those with eco-friendly packaging.
Synthetic clothing is another major source of plastic pollution. Synthetic fibres shed tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, with every wash. These microplastics eventually make their way into water systems, posing a threat to aquatic life. To reduce this impact, limit the purchase of synthetic clothing and opt for natural fibres whenever possible. When washing synthetic clothing, consider using a microfiber filter to capture these microplastics before they enter the water system.
In addition to reducing plastic consumption, proper waste disposal is crucial. Do not litter or dispose of plastic waste in rivers or waterways. Participate in community clean-up initiatives and support policies that focus on litter collection and prevention. Educate yourself and others about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and advocate for sustainable practices.
By making these conscious choices and advocating for change, we can significantly reduce plastic consumption and minimise its harmful effects on our rivers and the environment.
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Vote for conservation policies
While individual actions can help reduce river pollution, it is also important to address the issue through conservation policies. Voting for thoughtful and responsible land use and conservation policies can be one of the most effective ways to create a positive impact on the environment. Here are some reasons why voting for conservation policies is crucial:
Addressing Agricultural Pollution
Agriculture is a significant contributor to river pollution, especially in the United States, where it is the top source of contamination in rivers and streams. Conservation policies can implement stricter regulations on the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and manure management to prevent them from washing into nearby waterways. Policies can also promote sustainable farming practices, such as agroecology, which reduces the environmental impact of agriculture and protects water sources.
Reducing Industrial Discharge
Large factories and heavy industries are often associated with river pollution. Voting for conservation policies can help enforce tighter regulations on industrial discharge, ensuring that treated wastewater is released into rivers. Policies can also incentivize industries to adopt cleaner production technologies and promote circular economy approaches, reducing the amount of pollution generated in the first place.
Protecting Natural Habitats
Rivers are part of complex ecosystems, and it is essential to protect the natural habitats surrounding them. Conservation policies can help preserve and restore riparian zones, which act as buffers between land and water, absorbing nutrients and filtering out pollutants before they reach the river. Policies can also address issues like deforestation and urbanization, which contribute to sedimentation and erosion, affecting river health.
Promoting Sustainable Waste Management
River pollution is often a result of improper waste disposal, including household chemicals, medications, and plastic waste. Conservation policies can advocate for better waste management infrastructure and education, ensuring that hazardous waste is disposed of properly. Policies can also encourage recycling and waste reduction initiatives, minimizing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and, eventually, our rivers.
Encouraging Community Involvement
Community engagement is vital in river conservation. Conservation policies can provide resources and incentives for communities to get involved in river clean-up efforts, such as volunteer programs, education initiatives, and river restoration projects. By empowering communities to take ownership of their local rivers, we can create a network of stewards dedicated to protecting and preserving these valuable ecosystems.
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Avoid flushing medication
While it may seem like a quick and easy way to dispose of unwanted medication, flushing pills down the toilet can have a detrimental impact on the environment and endanger public health. Wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to remove pharmaceuticals from wastewater, meaning these medications can make their way into our drinking water.
The EPA and FDA have renounced the recommendation to flush prescription drugs down the toilet or drain and advise that they are returned to a take-back program instead. These programs provide a safe and environmentally responsible method of disposal. For example, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's National Take Back Initiatives offer secure collection events where unused medications are incinerated safely.
If you are unable to access a take-back program, the FDA provides a Flush List of medications that can be flushed if no other disposal option is available. These medications are typically sought-after for their misuse or abuse potential and can result in death from one dose if taken inappropriately. It is important to note that this list is limited to specific medicines, and only these should be flushed if a take-back option is not available.
To avoid flushing medication, it is recommended to check if there is a take-back program in your area. These programs are often hosted by local law enforcement agencies or healthcare providers and allow for the safe disposal of unused pharmaceuticals. Additionally, some organizations offer mail-back programs where you can mail your expired or unused medications using a pre-paid envelope.
By disposing of medications properly and avoiding flushing, you can play a part in reducing river pollution and protecting both the environment and public health.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to reduce river pollution. Here are some simple methods that can be implemented:
- Avoid releasing untreated sewage into rivers.
- Do not throw any solid waste into water streams.
- Avoid releasing construction waste into rivers.
- Avoid releasing harmful chemicals and oils into storm drains or rivers.
Plastic waste is a major contributor to river pollution. To reduce plastic waste in rivers, it is important to:
- Reduce the use of plastic products.
- Improve plastic waste management.
- Use reusable cloth or plastic bags instead of plastic shopping bags.
Agriculture is a major source of river pollution, with fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms often washing into waterways during rain. To reduce agricultural pollution in rivers, it is essential to adopt green agriculture practices, including:
- Climate-friendly crops.
- Efficient irrigation methods.
- Energy-efficient food production.
There are several everyday habits that can help reduce river pollution. These include:
- Keeping a "fat jar" to collect cooking fat and discarding it in solid waste instead of pouring it down the sink.
- Not disposing of household chemicals, cleaning agents, or medications down the sink or toilet.
- Using just enough cleaning products and opting for environmentally friendly alternatives.
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