Preventing Water Pollution: Simple Ways To Keep Water Clean

Water is a precious resource, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it does not get polluted. Our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas are already overwhelmed with chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants. These contaminants are harmful to both humans and aquatic life, causing health issues and reducing the lifespan and reproductive abilities of organisms. To prevent further water pollution, it is essential to adopt sustainable practices in our daily lives. This includes reducing water waste, properly disposing of chemicals and oils, minimizing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and making conscious choices to protect our freshwater systems. By taking individual action and encouraging others to do the same, we can make a significant impact in conserving and protecting our valuable water resources.

Reduce use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers

Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are all commonly used in agriculture, and their overuse or misuse can have detrimental effects on water sources. These chemicals can contaminate water, posing risks to both human health and the environment. Here are some ways to reduce their use and prevent water pollution:

Pesticides

Pesticides are substances used to control pests, which can include insects, weeds, bacteria, fungi, and rodents. While they are often necessary for crop protection, their overuse or improper use can lead to water contamination. To reduce the impact of pesticides on water sources, consider the following:

• Select appropriate pesticides: Choose pesticides with lower toxicity and follow local spray advisories to ensure application during suitable weather conditions.
• Improve application techniques: Proper mixing, loading, and storage procedures are essential to prevent accidental contamination.
• Reduce early-season pest damage: Prepare seedbeds and plant crops strategically to reduce early-season pest damage, thereby decreasing the need for pesticides.
• Properly dispose of containers: Triple-rinse pesticide containers to prevent leakage, as contaminated containers exposed to rain can leak pesticides into the environment.

Herbicides

Herbicides are a type of pesticide specifically used to control weeds. While they can be effective in agricultural settings, they can also be harmful to aquatic ecosystems if they enter water bodies. To minimize the use of herbicides and protect water sources:

• Adopt alternative weed management practices: Explore options such as subsurface tile drainage, which helps manage water movement and reduce nutrient loads, or manual weed removal methods.
• Explore integrated pest management (IPM): IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests through a combination of techniques, potentially reducing the reliance on herbicides.

Fertilizers

Fertilizers are used to provide essential nutrients to crops, but their overuse or improper application can lead to nutrient pollution in water bodies. Excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, can cause eutrophication, leading to "dead zones" and harmful algal blooms that disrupt aquatic life and can produce toxins harmful to humans. To reduce the use of fertilizers and prevent water pollution:

• Apply the right amount at the right time: Follow nutrient management techniques by applying fertilizers in the correct amount, at the appropriate time of year, and with the right method to minimize nutrient loss and reduce the impact on water bodies.
• Prevent nutrient runoff: Implement conservation drainage practices, such as modifying drainage system designs, to reduce the amount of nutrients entering water sources while maintaining adequate drainage for crop production.
• Ensure year-round ground cover: Plant cover crops or perennial species to prevent periods of bare ground when the soil is most susceptible to erosion, helping to keep nutrients in place and reducing the need for excessive fertilizer application.

By following these strategies, individuals, farmers, and communities can play a crucial role in reducing the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, thereby minimizing their impact on water sources and contributing to the protection of our precious water resources.

Minimize water wastage

Water wastage is a significant issue, and there are several ways to minimise it. Firstly, it is important to be mindful of water usage in daily activities. For instance, when washing dishes by hand, avoid leaving the water running for rinsing. Instead, use a bowl of clean water for rinsing or fill one sink with rinse water if you have two. Similarly, when cleaning vegetables, avoid letting the faucet run and opt for rinsing them in a bowl or sink of clean water instead. Keeping a bottle or pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator is also advisable to avoid the wasteful practice of running tap water to cool it for drinking.

Another way to minimise water wastage is to be conscious of how you wash your clothes and car. Only run the washing machine with a full load of clothes, and use cold water whenever possible. Additionally, washing your car less often or opting for a car wash that recycles water can significantly reduce water usage. If you must wash your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water instead of running the hose, and only use the hose for rinsing.

Upgrading to water-efficient fixtures and appliances is also an effective way to minimise water wastage. Consider installing a water-efficient showerhead with a flow rate of 2.5 gallons or less per minute. Also, purchasing a low-flow toilet with a flush of 1.6 gallons or less can significantly reduce water usage. You can also place a brick or a half-gallon container in your toilet tank to reduce water usage per flush.

Lastly, simple habits such as taking shorter showers, drawing less water for baths, and checking for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets, and couplings can make a significant difference in minimising water wastage. By being mindful of our water usage and making a few adjustments, we can all play a part in conserving this precious resource.

Properly dispose of hazardous household items

Properly disposing of hazardous household items is essential to prevent water pollution and protect human health. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Do Not Dispose of Hazardous Waste Down Drains or Toilets:

Never pour hazardous waste, such as household chemicals, down the sink, drain, or toilet. This includes cleaning agents, fats, oils, grease, and medications. These substances can contaminate drinking water and pollute water sources. Instead, collect fats and oils in a "fat jar" and dispose of them in the solid waste bin.

Follow Product Labels and Manufacturer's Recommendations:

Always read the product labels and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use, storage, and disposal. This is crucial to prevent accidents and reduce risks associated with hazardous substances. Some products, like oven cleaners without sodium hydroxide or lye, can be flushed down drains or toilets with plenty of water. Others, such as metal polishes, wood polishes, and solvent-based cleaners, should be stored and disposed of through a household hazardous waste collection program.

Hazardous Waste Collection Sites:

Contact your local hazardous waste management sites or collection facilities to properly dispose of hazardous waste. Many communities have designated days or permanent collection sites for household hazardous waste (HHW). These sites ensure the safe management and disposal of hazardous items. If your community does not have a permanent collection site, local businesses may accept certain products for recycling or proper disposal, such as garages that recycle used motor oil.

Reduce, Reuse, and Choose Alternative Products:

Minimize the purchase and use of products containing hazardous ingredients. Opt for environmentally friendly, natural alternatives for household cleaners, laundry detergent, dish soap, and pest control products. You can also find simple recipes online to create your own cleaning solutions using non-hazardous ingredients. Additionally, consider reusing products whenever possible. For example, many collection sites have free reuse areas where residents can find usable products.

Safe Storage and Handling:

Always store hazardous products in their original containers with the labels intact. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets to prevent accidents. Corroding containers require special handling, so contact your local hazardous materials official or fire department for instructions. Never mix hazardous waste with other products, as they may react or ignite.

Reduce use of plastics

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide. It is caused by our reliance on single-use plastics and a lack of proper disposal and recycling systems. To reduce water pollution caused by plastics, we must focus on reducing our use of single-use plastics and disposing of plastics properly.

Single-use plastics include plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, takeout containers, and any other plastic items that are used once and then discarded. The best way to reduce the use of these items is to refuse any single-use plastics that you do not need and purchase reusable versions of these products, such as reusable grocery bags, produce bags, bottles, utensils, coffee cups, and dry cleaning garment bags. Carry a reusable water bottle with you, and you will save money and plastic—you may also be making a safer choice by sticking to tap water.

In addition to reducing single-use plastic consumption, it is important to dispose of plastics properly and recycle them whenever possible. Find out what your local area allows for recycling and actively follow recycling symbols on plastic products. Unfortunately, the reality is that most plastic cannot be recycled and will end up in our oceans or incinerated, causing air pollution. This makes it even more important to reduce our use of plastics in the first place.

Microplastics, such as those found in beauty products like facial scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes, are also a major concern for marine life and human health. These tiny particles can slip through water-treatment plants and are often ingested by marine animals. Opt for products with natural exfoliants, like oatmeal or salt, instead. When the Plastic Soup Foundation, a Dutch nonprofit, tested the 10 most popular brands from Europe’s four largest cosmetics manufacturers, they found that only 13% of nearly 8,000 products were free of microplastics.

Fix leaks

Leaks are a major source of water wastage, and they can often go unnoticed, especially if they are outside the house. However, they can be extremely wasteful, especially if they occur on the main water line. Therefore, it is important to regularly check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets, and couplings.

To check for leaks, you can use a water meter. Take a reading of the meter, ensure that all water sources are turned off, and then take another reading after a couple of hours. If the reading has changed, then there is likely a leak. You can also check for "silent" leaks in your toilet by placing a small amount of food colouring in the tank and seeing if it appears in the bowl without flushing.

If you find a leak, it is important to fix it as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the leak and your level of expertise, you may be able to fix it yourself or you may need to call a plumber. Some simple leaks can be fixed by tightening connections or replacing washers. If you are unsure about how to fix the leak, it is best to seek professional help.

In addition to fixing leaks, it is also important to take preventative measures to avoid leaks in the future. This includes regularly maintaining your plumbing system, such as by insulating pipes to prevent freezing and consequent bursting during winter. It is also important to be aware of the location of your home's main water shut-off valve so that you can quickly shut off the water supply in the event of a major leak.

Frequently asked questions