Water Pollution: Taking Action To Protect Our Planet

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with human activity being the primary cause of contaminated water sources. Common pollutants include heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, pharmaceuticals, bacteria, pathogens, and plastic. The good news is that there are many ways to take action and make a difference. From small, everyday changes to supporting charities and volunteering, individuals can play a vital role in reducing water pollution. Understanding the causes and consequences of water pollution is the first step towards making a change. This knowledge empowers people to make informed decisions and take effective action, such as treating water before it re-enters waterways, reducing plastic waste, conserving water, and properly disposing of hazardous substances.

How to Take Action Against Water Pollution

Reduce plastic consumption and reuse or recycle plastic items

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental issues of our time, with plastic taking anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose. As plastic breaks down, it releases toxic chemicals, posing a serious danger to marine life. Animals can become entangled in plastic debris or ingest it, mistaking it for food, or as it breaks down into microplastics, which contaminate our food.

To reduce plastic consumption, you can start by switching from bottled water to a home water filtration system. You can also take your own reusable bags to the grocery store, and buy loose fruit and vegetables, which are often cheaper than pre-packaged alternatives. Take your own reusable cup when buying coffee, and your own cutlery when eating on the go. You can also buy staples like rice and pasta from bulk containers and store them in jars at home.

To reuse plastic items, you can take them to a second-hand store, or repurpose plastic containers for food storage. You can also buy recycled products, such as glass or stainless steel Tupperware, to close the loop.

Recycling is still important to reduce the footprint of our waste stream, but it is not a solution to the plastics crisis. To recycle effectively, check the rules for your area, and which items can and can't be recycled. Most beverage bottles will be marked with a #1, which is commonly accepted by recycling companies, while heavier-duty bottles for milk, juice, and laundry detergent will be marked #2 and are also usually recyclable.

Properly dispose of chemical cleaners, oils, and non-biodegradable items

Properly disposing of chemical cleaners, oils, and non-biodegradable items is essential to reducing water pollution. Here are some detailed guidelines for each category:

Chemical Cleaners

Most household cleaning products are water-soluble and designed for safe disposal in wastewater treatment systems. However, it is important to always read the label and follow any special disposal instructions provided by the manufacturer. For example, water-soluble products like laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and toilet cleaners can generally be flushed down the drain with running water. It is recommended to dispose of powders in small amounts to prevent lumps, and solids, such as bar soaps, can be thrown in the trash.

For products requiring special handling, such as solvent-based paints, used motor oil, and certain pesticides, it is best to utilize household hazardous waste collection programs. Some communities may also offer recycling programs for plastic cleaning product packaging, so checking with your local waste disposal facility or recycling coordinator is advisable.

Oils

Improper oil disposal has severe environmental, economic, and health consequences. Oil waste disposal contributes significantly to water pollution, with one litre of oil capable of contaminating one million litres of freshwater. To prevent this, used motor oil should never be poured down storm drains. Instead, it can be taken to a nearby auto parts store for responsible disposal, often free of charge.

Non-Biodegradable Items

While biodegradable materials will eventually break down over time, non-biodegradable items will not. Composting biodegradable products at home or through a local composting facility is a more sustainable option than discarding them in the garbage. It is important to educate yourself on the proper disposal methods for specific products and to check if your local area offers biodegradable bins for dumping.

Maintain your car to prevent leaks of oil, antifreeze, or coolant

Motor vehicles are a significant source of water pollution. Each year, Americans spill 180 million gallons of used oil into their waters. This is a staggering 16 times the amount of oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez in Alaska. Therefore, it is important to maintain your car to prevent leaks of oil, antifreeze, or coolant.

To address engine oil leaks, start by inspecting the oil pan and filter for any visible damage or looseness. Tighten any loose bolts and replace worn gaskets and seals. Always ensure you’re using the correct oil grade as specified by your vehicle manufacturer, and consider regular oil changes as part of your car maintenance routine to prevent future leaks. A transmission fluid leak can quickly escalate from a minor inconvenience to a major repair if ignored. To spot a transmission fluid leak, look for reddish-brown fluid underneath your vehicle. This fluid may have a slightly sweet or burnt smell. Leaks typically occur around the transmission pan, seals, or cooler lines, especially if these components are damaged or improperly tightened.

Coolant, or antifreeze, is vital for preventing your engine from overheating. It circulates through your engine, absorbing excess heat and dissipating it through the radiator. A coolant leak can quickly lead to overheating, causing serious engine damage. To identify a coolant leak, look for green, yellow, pink, blue, red, or even clear liquid under your vehicle. Coolant often has a distinct sweet smell and an almost slimy texture. Leaks commonly occur at the radiator, hoses, water pump, or head gasket. Any unusual rise in temperature on your dashboard gauge is also a warning sign of a coolant issue.

To fix a transmission leak, inspect the seals and pan for any signs of wear or damage. Tighten any loose bolts and replace damaged seals or lines. Ensure you use the correct type and amount of transmission fluid recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Regularly checking the transmission fluid level and condition is a crucial part of proactive car maintenance.

Remember to check for leaks regularly and fix them promptly. Keep your vehicle tuned up. Use ground cloths or drip pans underneath your vehicle if you have leaks or are doing engine work. By maintaining your car and addressing leaks, you can play a crucial role in reducing water pollution.

Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your yard

Pesticides and herbicides are a major cause of water pollution. They are hazardous chemicals that can contaminate water supplies and harm both human health and the environment. Here are some ways to avoid using them in your yard:

Understand the Hazards of Pesticides and Herbicides

Recognise the dangers of these chemicals to make informed decisions. Pesticides and herbicides can contaminate indoor air and surfaces, with particularly harmful effects on children. Many pesticides are linked to cancer, birth defects, reproductive issues, liver or kidney damage, neurotoxicity, and endocrine disruption. They also pose risks to bees, fish, other aquatic organisms, and mammals.

Foster a Balanced Ecosystem

Encourage a healthy ecosystem in your yard by understanding the food chain and the factors that lead to insect infestations. Natural methods, such as applying worm castings from vermicomposting systems, can fortify plants against fungal infections and insect attacks. A holistic approach to lawn and garden care can help you avoid the need for traditional pesticides.

Explore Natural Alternatives

Transition to organic lawn care methods, focusing on soil health, proper mowing, and fertilizing practices. Healthy soil, teeming with biological life, supports the growth of robust grass that is naturally resistant to weeds and pests. This reduces the need for pesticides and herbicides.

Demand Safe Alternatives

As a consumer, you have the power to demand safe, non-toxic, and organic lawn care products and services from retailers and lawn care providers. Support organisations like the National Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns, which aims to educate the public and influence policymakers to adopt safer alternatives.

Hire a Safe Lawn Care Company

If managing your lawn without pesticides proves challenging, consider hiring a safe lawn care company that specialises in least-toxic products and practices. These companies can provide alternatives that are safer for you, your family, and the environment.

Support local initiatives to protect drinking water sources

Supporting local initiatives to protect drinking water sources is crucial in ensuring access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. Here are some ways to get involved and make a difference:

Understand the Local Initiatives

Firstly, educate yourself about the local initiatives and organizations dedicated to protecting drinking water sources. For instance, the Source Water Protection Program at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) aims to safeguard vulnerable land in Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMAs) by partnering with local entities to promote land uses and activities that benefit water quality. Knowing about such initiatives will help you identify the specific actions and goals that you want to support and actively contribute to.

Volunteer and Participate

Once you have identified local organizations, consider volunteering your time and skills to support their efforts. You can contact watershed or wellhead protection organizations or source water collaboratives in your community and offer your assistance. These groups often rely on community engagement to succeed, and your participation can make a significant difference. If no such groups exist in your area, consider taking the initiative to start one.

Spread Awareness

Become an advocate for drinking water protection by spreading awareness among your community. You can host educational events, workshops, or community meetings to discuss water quality threats, such as polluted runoff and habitat loss. During these discussions, highlight actions that individuals can take to protect water quality, such as reducing fertilizer use and eliminating herbicides and pesticides. You can also use stencils to create visual reminders next to street drains, informing people that dumping waste into these drains directly impacts the local water source.

Practice Sustainable Habits

In your daily life, adopt sustainable habits that reduce water pollution. This includes proper waste disposal, such as taking advantage of special collections for hazardous household waste and avoiding dumping hazardous substances on the ground, as this can contaminate the soil and groundwater. Additionally, reduce your use of single-use plastics and switch to reusable alternatives, such as cloth grocery bags and stainless steel or glass food storage containers. These small changes can have a significant collective impact on reducing plastic pollution in water sources.

Support Ecosystem Restoration

Get involved in initiatives focused on restoring water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes. These ecosystems play a vital role in maintaining water quality and availability. You can participate in tree-planting programs, wetland restoration projects, or river clean-up drives. Supporting the protection and restoration of these ecosystems helps to preserve their natural filtration systems, ensuring cleaner and safer drinking water sources.

Remember, small actions can create a ripple effect, and your support for local initiatives is a crucial step towards protecting drinking water sources and ensuring access to this precious resource for current and future generations.

Frequently asked questions