Water Pollution: Facts To Action For A Cleaner Future

Water pollution is a pressing issue that poses a threat to the health of millions of people worldwide. The contamination of water sources such as rivers, lakes, and oceans by various pollutants, including chemicals, waste, plastic, and other toxins, has rendered them unfit for essential purposes like swimming, fishing, and drinking. With nearly half of the rivers and streams and over a third of the lakes in certain regions being polluted, it is crucial to address this challenge. Water pollution not only endangers human health but also destroys aquatic ecosystems, contaminates the food chain, and hinders social and economic development. To combat this issue, individuals, communities, and organizations must work together to reduce pollution, improve water treatment processes, and promote sustainable practices to protect this precious resource that all living beings depend on.

Reduce use of pesticides, fertilisers and herbicides

Pesticides, fertilisers, and herbicides are all commonly used in agriculture, but they can have a detrimental impact on water sources. In fact, agriculture is the leading cause of water degradation worldwide. These chemicals are designed to kill or control pests, but they can also be toxic to humans, animals, and the environment. For example, a 2019 study found 103 types of pesticides in Europe's rivers and canals, 24 of which are banned by the European Union.

To reduce the use of pesticides, farmers can adopt several practices. Firstly, proper pesticide mixing and loading procedures are essential. Seedbed preparation and planting can help crops emerge quickly, reducing the need for pesticides by minimising early-season disease and insect damage. It is also crucial to select the appropriate pesticides and to only apply them during suitable weather conditions with the recommended application techniques. Local spray advisories can assist in this regard. Additionally, farmers should ensure proper disposal of pesticide containers by triple-rinsing them to prevent leakage.

Farmers can also reduce fertiliser use and prevent nutrient pollution by adopting nutrient management techniques. This involves applying nutrients (fertiliser and manure) in the correct amounts, at the right time of year, with suitable methods, and in the right locations. Implementing conservation tillage practices can also help, as reducing the frequency and intensity of tilling improves soil health, reduces erosion and runoff, and decreases the chance of nutrients reaching waterways.

Furthermore, planting field buffers, such as trees, shrubs, and grasses, along the edges of fields, can prevent nutrient loss by absorbing or filtering out excess nutrients before they reach water bodies. Watershed efforts, where various stakeholders collaborate across an entire watershed, are also vital in reducing nutrient pollution.

Avoid single-use plastics

Single-use plastics are a major contributor to water pollution. As plastic items do not break down easily, they become increasingly smaller pieces, eventually making their way into our waterways and oceans. Even biodegradable alternatives like bioplastics are very resource-intensive to produce and do not rapidly biodegrade in natural conditions.

• Reusable bags: Instead of accepting plastic bags at grocery stores, bring your own reusable bags, such as cloth or tote bags. Many places have already banned single-use plastic bags, and reusable bags help reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment.
• Refuse plastic packaging: Shop in the bulk aisle at markets and bring your own containers, such as glass or metal jars, to store grains, nuts, flour, and other foods. You can also use these containers for laundry detergent, dish soap, and body creams.
• Avoid disposable products: Choose reusable alternatives instead of disposable products like plastic cutlery, straws, water bottles, and razors. Bamboo or stainless steel are great eco-friendly options.
• Reduce plastic consumption: Cut down on your overall plastic consumption by opting for products with less packaging. For example, buy fresh fruits and vegetables in bulk instead of products packaged in single-serving cups.
• Make your own: Prepare your own fresh-squeezed juice or eat fruit instead of buying juice in plastic bottles. You can also make your own cleaning products, which will be less toxic and eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles of cleaner.
• Support recycling initiatives: While recycling may not be an option for all single-use plastics, support and advocate for recycling initiatives and technologies that can help reduce plastic waste.

Improve wastewater treatment

Improving wastewater treatment is essential to reducing water pollution, especially as water becomes increasingly precious due to changing climates and population growth. Here are some ways to enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and improve wastewater treatment:

Enhance Treatment Systems

Upgrading to enhanced treatment systems can help remove more nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater discharges. While this may be expensive for municipalities and rate payers, it can pay for itself in the long run or even result in cost savings by reducing energy demand and treatment chemicals. Optimization, or adjusting operations to repurpose existing equipment for better nutrient removal, is another approach that is typically less costly and can lead to similar benefits.

Reduce Toxin Entry

Reducing the entry of toxins into wastewater facilities is crucial. This responsibility falls on both homeowners and industries. Citizens can decrease their water consumption and minimize the use of toxins in their households, such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and chemicals. Industries should also reduce their release of toxins, including heavy metals and toxic chemicals, into wastewater streams.

Conserve Water

Implementing water-efficient practices can help reduce the volume of wastewater entering treatment plants. This includes using water-efficient toilets, running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads, and minimizing water usage in daily activities.

Stay Compliant with Regulations

Most wastewater treatment plants operate under strict federal and local regulations. By regularly auditing treatment systems and staying within set limits, plants can avoid expensive fines and maintain the reliability of their data and operations.

Embrace Technological Advancements

The wastewater treatment industry is evolving, and new technologies can significantly improve efficiency. Chemical feed pumps, online analyzers, reverse osmosis systems, and flow switches are some examples of innovations that enable operators to optimize resource usage.

Stop illegal dumping

Illegal dumping is a serious issue that has detrimental effects on public health, the economy, and the environment. It is important to know how to identify and prevent illegal dumping to protect our communities and conserve our waterways.

Illegal dumping occurs when individuals dispose of waste or litter in unauthorized areas, such as vacant lots, dead-end streets, or other secluded places. This can include a wide range of items, from household trash and construction debris to hazardous chemicals and toxic waste. The consequences of illegal dumping are far-reaching, as these pollutants can contaminate our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas, making them unfit for swimming, fishing, or drinking.

To prevent illegal dumping, it is crucial to take a proactive and community-driven approach. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Regular Maintenance and Cleanup: Vacant lots and chronic dumping sites should be regularly maintained through mowing and cleanup efforts. A well-maintained space is less likely to attract illegal dumping. Ensure sufficient funding is dedicated to the maintenance of publicly owned lots, and hold the owners of privately owned lots accountable for keeping their properties in good condition.
• Security Measures: Install boulder barriers, solar lighting, and trail cameras at known dumping sites. These measures act as deterrents and can help identify and catch illegal dumpers. Additionally, consider placing "No Dumping Trash" signs with a warning that the area is under video surveillance.
• Community Engagement: Encourage community members to report any instances of illegal dumping to the local authorities or a designated hotline. Provide information on how to spot and safely report illegal dumping, and emphasize the environmental and community impacts of these actions.
• Collaboration and Enforcement: Partner with local government agencies, community organizations, and law enforcement to develop and implement strategies to prevent illegal dumping. Increase lighting, monitoring, and enforcement in areas prone to dumping, and hold dumpers accountable through fines or legal action.
• Education and Awareness: Raise awareness about the harmful effects of illegal dumping on public health, the environment, and the community. Educate individuals about proper waste disposal methods and the importance of responsible waste management.

By implementing these strategies and working together as a community, we can effectively reduce illegal dumping and minimize its impact on our waterways and the environment. Remember, everyone has a role to play in keeping our communities clean and safe.

Conserve water

Conserving water is essential to reducing water pollution and preserving this precious resource. Water conservation involves using water wisely and preventing unnecessary wastage, which can have a significant environmental and economic impact. Here are some ways to conserve water:

General Tips

• Fix dripping taps to prevent wasting several litres of water per day.
• Install water-efficient taps and showers to minimise heating water and reduce water usage.
• Get a cistern displacement device to save up to 5,000 litres of water annually, often provided for free by water companies.
• Shower instead of taking a bath, as showers use less water.
• Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator to avoid running the tap to cool water for drinking.
• When washing dishes by hand, avoid leaving the water running for rinsing. If you have two sinks, fill one with rinse water, and if you only have one, gather washed dishes on a rack and quickly rinse them with a spray device or a pan of water.
• Run the dishwasher or clothes washer only when you have a full load to conserve water and electricity.
• Use phosphate-free soaps and detergents and minimise the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
• Avoid disposing of motor oil, automotive fluids, and other chemicals into sewer systems.
• Check with your water company for discounts on water-saving equipment, such as water butts, which can be used to collect rainwater for gardening or cleaning.

Gardening and Outdoor Tips

• Use a water butt to collect rainwater for watering plants, cleaning cars, and washing windows.
• Avoid overwatering your lawn. Step on the grass, and if it springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn't need water.
• When watering, ensure to water long enough for the water to reach the roots.
• Use mulch and bark in your garden to reduce evaporation by up to 75%.
• Plant drought-resistant plants that require less watering.
• Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, and opt for chemical-free alternatives to protect wildlife.

Frequently asked questions