Stopping Water Pollution: Global Action, Local Impact

Water pollution is a pressing issue that affects countries worldwide. Our water bodies, including rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas, are filled with chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants. While governments and organizations are working to address this issue, individual actions also play a crucial role in reducing water pollution. This includes simple habits such as reducing water usage, properly disposing of waste, and minimizing the use of pesticides and herbicides. Additionally, it's important to avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket and to install water-efficient appliances whenever possible. By making conscious choices and encouraging others to do the same, we can all contribute to improving water quality and preserving our precious water resources for future generations.

How to stop water pollution in the world

Reduce oil pollution from vehicles and factories

Oil and gas operations account for around 15% of total energy-related emissions globally, contributing to thousands of early deaths, asthma attacks, and childhood asthma cases. To reduce oil pollution from vehicles and factories, several measures can be implemented:

Vehicles

• Drive efficiently: This includes being gentle on the gas pedal and brakes, as well as maintaining a steady speed. Aggressive driving behaviours, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can increase fuel consumption and emissions.
• Maintain your vehicle: Regular tune-ups, following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, and using the recommended motor oil can help improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
• Choose fuel-efficient vehicles: When purchasing a new car, opt for models with low greenhouse gas emissions and high fuel efficiency. The EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and Fuel Economy and Environment Label can help you compare different vehicles' environmental impact.
• Reduce idling: Unnecessary idling of cars, trucks, and buses pollutes the air and wastes fuel. Modern vehicles do not require prolonged warming up, so turn on the engine only when you are ready to drive.
• Opt for electric or battery-powered lawn and garden equipment: Gas-powered lawn equipment emits significant pollutants. Electric or battery-powered alternatives are quieter and produce less pollution.

Factories

• Tackle methane emissions: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and curbing methane emissions from oil and gas operations is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce overall emissions.
• Eliminate non-emergency flaring: Flaring, or the burning of excess gas, contributes to air pollution. By eliminating unnecessary flaring, emissions and their associated health and environmental impacts can be reduced.
• Electrify upstream facilities: Using low-emissions electricity to power upstream facilities can help reduce the carbon footprint of oil and gas operations.
• Implement carbon capture technologies: Equipping oil and gas processes with carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies can capture carbon dioxide emissions, preventing their release into the atmosphere.
• Transition to low-emissions electrolysis hydrogen in refineries: This process produces hydrogen with lower emissions, helping to reduce the overall environmental impact of oil and gas operations.

Properly dispose of household waste

Properly disposing of household waste is essential to reducing water pollution. Hazardous household waste, such as pesticides, cleaning products, paints, and batteries, can contaminate water sources if not disposed of correctly. Here are some ways to properly dispose of household waste:

Firstly, it is important to distinguish between regular household waste and hazardous waste. Regular household waste includes items that can be disposed of in the bins provided by your local council or taken to a local recycling centre. These items are typically non-hazardous and can be safely disposed of without causing harm to the environment.

Hazardous household waste, on the other hand, requires special handling and disposal methods. These are products that can catch fire, react, explode, or are corrosive or toxic. Examples include paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides. Improper disposal of hazardous waste can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. It is essential to follow the instructions on product labels for proper use, storage, and disposal to reduce risks.

To dispose of hazardous waste, you can contact your local landfill or solid waste management contractor for guidance on accepted waste and disposal methods. Some hazardous waste can be flushed down the drain with plenty of water if it can be neutralized or rendered harmless by the sanitary sewage system. However, this method is not recommended for households with septic systems as it can destroy the beneficial microorganisms. Always contact your local wastewater treatment plant for guidance before disposing of waste in this manner.

Additionally, many communities have collection programs specifically for hazardous household waste (HHW). Search for HHW collection programs near you or contact your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency for more information. When disposing of hazardous waste, ensure that you do not mix different chemicals, and always keep products in their original containers with the labels intact.

Lastly, consider reducing your purchase of products that contain hazardous ingredients. Opt for environmentally friendly, natural products, or create your own using simple recipes. By properly disposing of household waste and reducing the use of hazardous products, you can play a crucial role in preventing water pollution and protecting our precious water sources.

Reduce agricultural pollution

Agriculture is one of the most polluting sectors in the world, with farming and livestock production accounting for about 70% of the Earth's surface water consumption. It is also a major contributor to water contamination, with agricultural activities polluting our airways, soil, and water quality.

One of the main ways to reduce agricultural pollution is by minimising the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. While these have been important in maximising crop yields, they can be washed away from fields and into waterways during rain or snowmelt, causing water degradation. Farmers can adopt nutrient management techniques by applying the right amount of fertiliser at the right time of year, using the correct method and placement. This will help prevent runoff from fields, which can affect other farms, livestock, or water supply.

Another way to reduce agricultural pollution is by implementing proper waste management practices. Farmers should ensure the appropriate storage, processing, and disposal of manure and other waste products, as well as recycling and reusing wherever possible. This will significantly reduce their environmental footprint.

To prevent nutrient runoff, farmers can plant trees, shrubs, and grasses along the edges of fields, especially those bordering bodies of water. These buffers will help absorb and filter nutrients before they reach the water.

Additionally, farmers can reduce erosion, runoff, and soil compaction by using a more conservative tillage schedule. Minimal tilling improves soil quality, reduces soil erosion, and decreases energy use.

Finally, farmers can play a leadership role in watershed efforts by collaborating with state governments, conservation groups, educational institutions, and community groups to reduce nutrient pollution in water and air.

Limit toxic chemicals in cleaning products

Cleaning is essential for maintaining hygiene and protecting our health in our homes, schools, and workplaces. However, it is important to recognize that many household and cleaning products, including soaps, polishes, and grooming supplies, often contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to both our health and the environment.

To limit toxic chemicals in cleaning products, it is crucial to be aware of the ingredients and their potential hazards. Start by reading the labels of cleaning products before purchasing them. Look for products that do not contain or have reduced amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fragrances, irritants, and flammable ingredients. Even natural fragrances, such as citrus, can react to produce dangerous indoor pollutants, so it's best to opt for fragrance-free options. Avoid products with synthetic dyes, as these can be absorbed through the skin or ingested from soap residue on dishes.

Be cautious of scented laundry detergents, fabric softeners, deodorizers, and air fresheners, as these often contain a mix of fragrance chemicals, including cancer-causing agents like benzene and formaldehyde, as well as phthalates and VOCs. Phthalates are commonly found in perfumes and perfumed products, and they have been linked to endocrine disruption. Glass cleaners and floor polishes may contain dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which the European Union classifies as highly toxic to aquatic life.

Additionally, be mindful of products containing trisodium nitrilotriacetate, as this chemical can cause heavy metals in sediments to re-dissolve, posing a threat to fish and other wildlife. Some studies suggest that certain chemicals in cleaning products, like triclosan and quats, may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, limiting treatment options for microbial infections.

It is also important to never mix cleaning products, as this can create highly toxic combinations. For example, mixing bleach with ammonia-containing products or rubbing alcohol with bleach can have dangerous consequences. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and keep cleaning products away from children and pets.

Improve wastewater treatment

Improving wastewater treatment is essential to tackling water pollution, as more than 80% of the world's wastewater is discharged back into the environment without treatment, according to the United Nations. This untreated sewage enters natural water sources, polluting them to the point where they can no longer support life.

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is critical. Efficient WWTPs can handle increased volumes of wastewater, preventing untreated water from entering the environment. They also conserve water by replenishing water sources and recharging groundwater, streams, and rivers. Furthermore, efficient plants consume less energy and fewer water treatment chemicals, reducing their carbon footprint and operating costs.

To enhance the efficiency of WWTPs, treatment technologies must be upgraded and optimized. Upgrading to enhanced treatment systems, such as advanced nitrogen removal processes, can significantly reduce nutrient pollution. While upgrades may be costly, they can often pay for themselves through reduced energy and chemical demands. Optimization, on the other hand, involves adjusting operations and repurposing existing equipment to remove additional nutrients, which is generally a more affordable option.

In addition to technological improvements, education and community involvement are crucial. Citizens and industries must work together to reduce pollution at its source. This includes reducing water consumption and minimizing the use of toxins in households and industrial processes. By decreasing the volume and toxicity of wastewater, we can alleviate the burden on WWTPs and improve the overall quality of treated effluent.

Lastly, as populations grow and change, wastewater will contain new contaminants and varying concentrations of existing ones. WWTPs must be proactive and prepared to address these evolving challenges. Regularly auditing treatment systems and staying up-to-date with technological advancements will enable plants to adapt to changing conditions and consistently maintain high-quality effluent.

Frequently asked questions