Protecting Our Waterways: Simple Steps For Kids To Reduce Pollution

Water is one of the most important things on Earth, and keeping it clean is super important! Water pollution happens when things like waste, chemicals, or other particles make rivers, oceans, and lakes dirty and unsafe for the animals and plants that live there. This can happen because of natural causes, like volcanoes, but also because of human activities, like factories dumping waste into the water. We need to work together to keep our water clean and safe, so here are some ways you can help!

Don't throw garbage near water bodies

Water is one of our most important resources, and it's really important that we look after it. Water pollution is a big problem, and it's caused by lots of different things, including garbage being thrown near or into water.

When garbage is thrown on the ground, it can easily be washed into storm drains, streams, canals, and rivers when it rains. From there, it can travel into the ocean and become marine debris. Marine debris is any human-made solid object that ends up in the ocean or the Great Lakes. Once in the ocean, it's really hard to clean up, especially if the garbage is made of plastic. Plastic doesn't biodegrade, which means it doesn't break down naturally over time. Instead, it breaks up into tiny pieces called microplastics, which are really dangerous to marine life. Animals might eat these pieces of plastic, or get tangled up in them, which can make them sick or even kill them.

So, what can you do to help? Well, the most important thing is to never throw garbage on the ground near water. Always put your trash in a bin, or recycle it if you can. If you're at the beach or by a river, take your garbage home with you and put it in the bin there. If you see someone else littering, you can tell them about how it can harm the ocean and the animals that live there. You can also get involved in stream clean-up projects, or ask your teacher if your class can adopt a stream to keep it clean and healthy. Remember, it's important to dispose of your trash properly, so that our oceans and rivers stay clean and safe!

Avoid using chemical pesticides and fertilisers

Water pollution is a big problem, and it's important that kids know how to help tackle it! One way is by avoiding the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers. These often contain harmful chemicals that can find their way into our water systems and damage the environment.

So, what can you do? Well, first, it's a good idea to talk to your parents or guardians about the types of products they use at home and in the garden. Ask them to read the labels and look for non-toxic alternatives to common household chemicals, like cleaning sprays. There are lots of safe products available these days, and the more we use them, the fewer unhealthy chemicals will end up in our water! You could even make your own natural, non-toxic cleaning products at home—just do some research or ask your teacher about it.

Another thing to think about is your garden. If your family uses chemical pesticides or fertilisers on the plants or lawn, suggest some eco-friendly alternatives. For example, instead of using weed killer, you could try pulling up weeds by hand or using a tool like a hoe. It might take a little more effort, but it'll help keep our water clean! You could also encourage your family to plant native plant species that are well-suited to your local environment and will, therefore, need less additional fertiliser.

Finally, remember that it's important to dispose of chemicals properly. Some places have special drop-off points for hazardous waste, so check with your local authorities to see what the guidelines are in your area. By disposing of chemicals safely, you can help prevent them from ending up in our water supply and causing pollution.

Don't pour fats, oils, grease or medicines down the sink

Water pollution is a big problem, and it's important that we all do our part to help keep our water sources clean. One way we can do this is by being careful about what we pour down the sink.

Don't Pour Fats, Oils, Grease, or Medicines Down the Sink

You might be tempted to rinse or tip fats, oils, or grease down the sink, especially when you're in a hurry or juggling lots of things while cooking. But, this is a bad idea! When you pour these substances down the sink, they can stick to the pipes and cause a buildup. This can lead to nasty, smelly sewage backing up in your house and can even cause bugs to be attracted to your home. Not only that, but it can also contaminate the water supply, as it seeps into the groundwater and bacteria start to grow. This can be harmful to plants and animals, and it can even end up in our drinking water!

So, what should you do with fats, oils, and grease instead? Well, it's best to pour them into a separate, resealable container, like a glass jar. You can then store this out of the way under your sink, for example, and throw it away in the trash when it's full.

It's also important not to pour medicines down the sink or flush them down the toilet. Just like fats and oils, medicines can contaminate our water supply and harm fish and other wildlife. Some medicines contain compounds that can interfere with the reproduction and growth of aquatic species. It's best to take any unused or unwanted medicines to a local pharmacy that does drug take-backs, or to a medication collection box.

Use water-efficient toilets

Water-efficient toilets are an excellent way to reduce water pollution and conserve water. Toilets are the main source of water use in the home, accounting for about 30% of a home's indoor water consumption. Older toilets can use up to 6 or 7 gallons of water per flush, which is a major source of wasted water.

There are several ways to make your toilet more water-efficient:

Displace Some of the Tank Water

Place a sealed, half-gallon plastic jug filled with water and pebbles or marbles inside your toilet tank. This reduces the amount of water in the tank by half a gallon, and can save about 75 gallons of water per month. Do not use bricks or other objects that may break apart and cause issues with your toilet's mechanism.

Adjust the Water Level

In older toilets, the water level was controlled by a copper or plastic float ball attached to a metal rod. Adjust the float rod downward to lower the float ball, so that the tank doesn't fill up as much. You may need to periodically check and adjust the float rod to maintain the new water level. In some newer models, you can adjust the float level by tightening or loosening a screw, or by using a dial to lower the float height.

Replace the Flapper Valve

Even newer toilets can waste water if the flapper valve is not closing tightly. Inspect your flapper for signs of wear and tear, and if it looks worn or broken, replace it. Measure the length of the flapper valve chain when extended, and take note of your toilet's make and model. Then, head to the hardware store to purchase a replacement. Installing the new valve is a simple process: just slide the new valve onto the overflow tube, seat it properly, and attach the chain.

Change Your Filler Valve

If your toilet is noisy when filling or takes a long time to fill, your filler valve may be to blame. The filler valve allows water into the toilet after flushing, and if it becomes dirty or damaged, it will not function efficiently. A trip to the hardware store and some DIY work will usually solve the issue. If your toilet still doesn't fill properly, consider hiring a professional plumber to assess the problem.

Check Your Water Line

Issues often occur where the copper water line meets your toilet, and can show up as a pool of water on the floor or "sweating" on the copper line. Turn off the water, disconnect the line, and inspect the rubber gasket inside. After years of use, these rubber stoppers can deteriorate and begin to leak. If the rubber feels pitted or you see rubber bits on the valve, pry out the gasket and replace it with a new one.

Install a Water-Efficient Toilet

If you're looking to make a bigger change, consider installing a water-efficient toilet. These toilets are designed to remove waste using water velocity instead of water volume, increasing the velocity of the water when you flush and using about 1.28 gallons per flush. WaterSense-labelled toilets are independently certified to meet the EPA's criteria for both performance and efficiency, and can reduce toilet water usage by 20-60%.

Install a Composting Toilet

Composting toilets are another option for those looking to drastically reduce their water consumption. These toilets don't use any water, and come in a variety of modern and stylish options.

Plant trees and vegetation near water bodies

Planting trees and vegetation near bodies of water is a fantastic way to help reduce water pollution. This is how it works:

First, trees and plants help to stabilise the banks of streams, rivers, and lakes. Their roots hold the soil together, preventing erosion. This is important because when erosion happens, soil and dirt are washed into the water, making it muddy and dirty. This is called "silt", and it's a natural cause of water pollution.

Second, trees and plants act as filters. Their roots and leaves can help to trap and absorb pollutants that might otherwise end up in the water. This includes things like pesticides and fertilisers from farms, as well as trash and litter from people. By trapping these pollutants, trees and plants act as a natural barrier, keeping the water cleaner.

Third, trees and plants provide shade, which is important for a few reasons. Shade keeps the water cooler, which some animals prefer. It also slows down the evaporation of water, keeping more of it in the stream or river. Finally, less sunlight means that some types of weeds and algae, which need lots of sun, won't grow as much. This is good because too much weed or algae can make the water unfit for humans and animals to use, and it can also reduce the amount of oxygen in the water, which fish and other creatures need to breathe.

Finally, trees and plants create habitats for wildlife. This is important because a healthy ecosystem has lots of different creatures, all depending on clean water. By planting trees and vegetation, you're not just helping to keep the water clean, you're also helping to create a balanced and diverse environment for all sorts of animals and insects.

Frequently asked questions