Treating Water Pollution: Self-Care Strategies For Your Health

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with our oceans, rivers, and lakes drowning in chemicals, waste, plastics, and other harmful substances. It is essential to understand the sources and types of water pollution to effectively combat it. Point source pollution comes from a single source, such as a manufacturer or refinery, while nonpoint source pollution originates from diffuse sources like stormwater runoff. To reduce water pollution, individuals can adopt water-efficient practices, properly dispose of waste, and avoid using pollutants like pesticides and herbicides. Additionally, wastewater treatment facilities play a crucial role in removing pollutants through biological, physical, and chemical processes.

How to treat yourself from water pollution

Understand the source of pollution and the type of water body impacted

To address water pollution and protect our water sources, it is crucial to identify the sources of pollution and the specific types of water bodies affected. This understanding guides us in devising effective strategies to combat pollution and restore the health of our precious water ecosystems. Let's delve into this in more detail:

Point Source Pollution:

Point source pollution originates from a single, identifiable source. This includes wastewater, also known as effluent, that is discharged, either legally or illegally, by various industries such as manufacturers, oil refineries, or wastewater treatment facilities. It also encompasses contamination from leaking septic systems, chemical and oil spills, and illegal dumping of substances. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates point source pollution by setting limits on the amount and type of discharge allowed from these facilities directly into water bodies. While it arises from a specific location, point source pollution can have far-reaching consequences, impacting miles of waterways and oceans.

Nonpoint Source Pollution:

Nonpoint source pollution, on the other hand, comes from diffuse sources and is not tied to a single location. This type of pollution arises from a broad, unconfined area, such as runoff from agricultural lands, urban areas, or stormwater runoff. When it rains, for example, water flowing across impermeable surfaces can carry pollutants like road salts, oil, grease, chemicals, and debris into nearby waterways. Nonpoint source pollution is challenging to regulate and control due to its dispersed nature.

Impacted Water Bodies:

Water pollution affects a variety of water bodies, including groundwater, surface water, and ocean water. Groundwater is found beneath the Earth's surface in porous rock or soil, and it is a vital source of freshwater. Surface water includes rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs, which are highly susceptible to pollution from both point and nonpoint sources. Ocean water pollution, often a consequence of point source pollution, has devastating impacts on marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and marine wildlife.

Understanding Local Water Dynamics:

To effectively tackle water pollution, it is essential to understand the unique characteristics of the water sources in your locality. Ask questions like: Where does your drinking water come from? Is the wastewater from your home treated before being released back into the environment? Where does stormwater runoff flow to? Understanding these dynamics will enable you to pinpoint the sources of pollution and take targeted actions to reduce your contribution to water contamination.

Stop pollution at the source

Water pollution is a severe issue that jeopardizes the health of both humans and the environment. It occurs when harmful substances, often chemicals or microorganisms, contaminate water bodies, degrading water quality and making it toxic. Here are some ways to stop water pollution at its source:

• Maintain Vehicles: Consumers account for most oil pollution in seas, with oil and gasoline dripping from cars and trucks daily. Regular vehicle maintenance can help reduce leaks and prevent this form of water pollution.
• Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste: Do not pour hazardous waste, such as oils, chemicals, or other automotive fluids, down drains, on the ground, or into storm sewers. These can contaminate the soil, groundwater, or nearby water bodies. Utilize local toxic drop-off sites and support groups working to clean up water sources.
• Maintain Septic Systems: Septic tanks need proper maintenance to function correctly. In homes with septic tanks, prescription and over-the-counter drugs can leach into the ground and enter groundwater. Ensure you properly dispose of medications and other hazardous waste.
• Limit Access to Water Bodies for Livestock: Livestock can trample stream banks and deposit feces, increasing E. coli levels. Limit their access to water bodies with fences and provide alternative drinking water sources. Implementing a rotational grazing system can reduce pasture erosion and give vegetation time to grow.
• Reduce Use of Pesticides and Fertilizers: Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, as these can contaminate water sources and harm the environment. Properly dispose of any leftover chemicals to prevent them from entering water bodies.
• Pick Up After Your Pets: Pet waste contributes to nutrient and E. coli pollution. Always pick up after your pets and dispose of their waste properly.
• Conserve Water: Adopt water-saving practices such as running the washing machine with full loads, washing with cold water, and minimizing tap usage. This reduces water consumption and the strain on water treatment facilities.
• Plant Riparian Corridors: Riparian corridors are buffer zones between used land and streams, planted with vegetation. These corridors can regulate water temperature, protect against erosion, and filter pollutants from stormwater. Encourage natural growth, allow native plants to thrive, and add trees and bushes to enhance the corridor's function.

Treat water before it enters the waterway system

Treating water before it enters the waterway system is an efficient way to reduce water pollution. Water treatment facilities use biological, physical, and chemical processes to remove most pollutants. Here are some ways to treat water before it enters the waterway system:

Sewage Treatment

Sewage treatments reduce toxic levels of water pollutants and prevent leakages into water systems. Sewage treatment allows water to pass through different sanitization chambers to ensure water is safe before being released into water systems.

Water Treatment Plants

Water treatment plants use a series of steps to clean water, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. In coagulation, chemicals such as specific types of salts, aluminum, or iron are added to the water to bind together dirt and other small particles. Flocculation involves gently mixing the water to form larger, heavier particles called flocs. During sedimentation, solids are separated from the water as the flocs settle to the bottom. The clear water on top then goes through several filters to remove germs, parasites, bacteria, viruses, and dissolved particles such as dust and chemicals. Finally, disinfection is done through chemical disinfectants, ultraviolet (UV) light, or ozone to kill any remaining germs.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis is a filtration method that removes additional particles from water. It is often used for treating recycled water or saltwater for drinking.

Individual Actions

In addition to large-scale treatment facilities, individuals can also play a role in treating water pollution before it enters the waterway system. This includes properly disposing of medications, being mindful of what is poured into storm sewers, picking up pet waste, and reducing plastic use.

Install water-efficient products at home

Water efficiency is a critical aspect of tackling water pollution. By using water-efficient products, we can reduce our environmental footprint and preserve our precious water resources for future generations.

One of the most effective ways to improve water efficiency at home is to install water-efficient toilets. Modern toilets with the WaterSense label are designed to use less water per flush, significantly reducing water consumption. If you're unable to purchase a new toilet, a simple hack is to place a brick or a 0.5-gallon container in your standard toilet tank, which will reduce the water used with each flush.

Another area to focus on is the shower. Opt for water-efficient showerheads with a flow rate of 2.5 gallons or less per minute. This simple upgrade will reduce water usage without compromising your shower experience. Additionally, be mindful of the duration of your showers; shorter showers can make a significant difference in water conservation.

The kitchen and laundry room are other hotspots for water usage. When running the dishwasher or clothes washer, ensure they are fully loaded to maximize each cycle's water usage. Using the minimum amount of detergent and choosing phosphate-free soaps and detergents are also important. Avoid pouring fats, oils, grease, and household chemicals down the sink or toilet, as these contribute to water pollution. Instead, collect fats in a "fat jar" under the sink and dispose of them in the solid waste bin when full.

WaterSense-labeled products are a great way to identify water-efficient options. These products are independently certified to meet EPA's criteria for both efficiency and performance. From faucet aerators to plumbing fixtures, choosing WaterSense-labeled products ensures you're saving water without sacrificing performance.

By installing water-efficient products and adopting mindful water usage habits, you can significantly contribute to the fight against water pollution.

Properly dispose of household chemicals and waste

Household hazardous waste (HHW) can pose a serious threat to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. These products often contain toxic chemicals, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, or reactive materials that can contaminate water supplies and cause severe health issues. Here are some tips to properly dispose of household chemicals and waste:

• Read the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions for disposal. Many household cleaning products are designed to be disposed of down the drain as part of normal usage, treated by wastewater treatment systems.
• Do not pour household chemicals, such as cleaning agents, down the sink or toilet. These can pollute drinking water and harm the environment.
• Do not dispose of hazardous waste in the trash or dump it on the ground. Hazardous waste should be taken to local hazardous waste management sites or collection programs, which are equipped to handle these materials safely.
• Properly manage flammable liquids like gasoline, kerosene, and old paints. Store gasoline in a cool, dry place and use it within six months. Old paints and other solvent-based paints can often be disposed of through household hazardous waste collection programs.
• Handle poisonous materials with extreme caution. This includes items like rat poison, antifreeze, and certain cleaning products, which can be fatal if ingested or inhaled.
• Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, and dispose of them properly. These can contain harmful chemicals that can contaminate water sources.
• Recycle or reuse whenever possible. Many household products contain recyclable materials like metals or plastics, which can be sorted and recycled to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact.

Remember, proper disposal of household chemicals and waste is crucial for protecting both the environment and public health.

Frequently asked questions