The Earth's Hidden Water Pollution Crisis

Underground water can become polluted when harmful substances from various sources, such as industrial processes, agricultural practices, and the improper disposal of waste, seep into the soil and contaminate it. Storage tanks, both above and below ground, can be a significant source of groundwater contamination, as they often contain gasoline, oil, chemicals, or other hazardous liquids. Over time, these tanks can corrode, crack, or develop leaks, allowing contaminants to seep into the surrounding soil and eventually reach the groundwater. Other sources of groundwater pollution include septic systems and sewers that are improperly constructed or not maintained, as well as household use of landscaping chemicals, fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides.

Industrial processes

Industrial workplaces need to ensure that hazardous materials are not poured down drains, as this can lead to groundwater pollution. Many hazardous substances from industry are difficult to biodegrade and accumulate in water sediments, causing illness and death among fish, crustaceans, and other creatures.

Chemical and oil spills, even when cleaned up, can still remain on the ground and contaminate groundwater. Without proper knowledge or regulation, people may not dispose of hazardous materials correctly. This includes household materials such as paint, weed killers, motor oil, and medications, which can end up in landfills and eventually contaminate groundwater.

To maintain good water quality, industries must take steps to prevent the discharge of residual pollution into public waters. Nature conservation organisations like Greenpeace draw attention to the consequences of industrial wastewater pollution, including the carcinogenic hazardous substance chlorobenzene.

Agricultural practices

Groundwater can be polluted by agricultural practices in several ways. Firstly, through the use of pesticides, fertilisers, and animal manure, which can enter groundwater depending on local land use and geologic conditions. Soil erosion, nutrient loss, and the runoff of pesticides and other contaminants from agricultural land are also leading causes of water quality impairment. In addition, drainage wells used in wet regions to facilitate water removal can harbour agricultural chemicals and bacteria, contributing to groundwater pollution. Poor agricultural practices can also lead to the discharge of pollutants and sediment into groundwater, as well as the salinization and waterlogging of irrigated land. Finally, agriculture can be a victim of water pollution when using wastewater and polluted surface and groundwater, which can contaminate crops and transmit diseases to consumers and farm workers.

Improper disposal of waste

Underground storage tanks (USTs) are another source of potential contamination. With over 542,000 USTs buried in the United States alone, the risk of leakage is considerable. These tanks often contain petroleum or hazardous substances, which, if released, can contaminate the surrounding soil and eventually reach groundwater.

Improper solid waste disposal, such as indiscriminate dumping and uncontrolled burning, also plays a role in polluting groundwater. This practice clogs drains, creating stagnant water that serves as breeding grounds for insects and contributes to flooding during rainy seasons. The decomposition of organic wastes in landfills generates greenhouse gases, and untreated leachate can pollute surrounding soil and water bodies.

Furthermore, studies indicate that a significant portion of municipal waste is either not collected or mismanaged, leading to polluted ecosystems. The failure to recycle plastic waste, for example, has resulted in over 6.3 billion metric tons of plastic polluting the environment. Hazardous materials in landfills can corrode the bottom lining, leading to soil contamination, and in some cases, these chemicals can leak into the sewage system, poisoning underground water supplies and creating public health hazards.

Storage tanks

In addition to proper maintenance, the location of storage tanks is also important in preventing groundwater contamination. Tanks should be placed in areas that are not prone to flooding or heavy precipitation, as runoff from these events can carry contaminants into groundwater sources. Tanks should also be located away from areas where human or animal activity could potentially damage the tank, such as near roads or livestock grazing areas.

The type of materials stored in the tanks can also impact the risk of groundwater contamination. As mentioned earlier, tanks containing hazardous liquids such as gasoline, oil, or chemicals pose a significant risk. However, even tanks containing seemingly harmless substances, such as water or food-grade liquids, can become a source of contamination if they are not properly maintained or if their contents are not regularly tested for quality.

To minimise the risk of groundwater contamination from storage tanks, it is important to follow best practices for tank installation, maintenance, and monitoring. This includes regular inspections, proper waste disposal, and the use of appropriate containment systems to capture any potential leaks or spills. By taking proactive measures to prevent contamination, we can help protect our groundwater resources and ensure a safe and sustainable water supply for the future.

Septic systems and sewers

Septic systems are often used in homes that rely on well water. These systems process wastewater from toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and appliances. The products we use, such as gasoline, oil, road salts, and chemicals, can leach into the soil and contaminate the water stored there. These pollutants can travel long distances through the soil, sand, and rock to reach deep underground water sources.

Neglect and damage to septic systems can result in disastrous contamination of groundwater if not properly serviced. Toilets, sinks, showers, and washing machines produce wastewater that drains into an underground septic tank. In the tank, solids settle to the bottom, while fats, oils, and grease float to the top. Contaminants in the wastewater are supposed to be broken down and destroyed in the tank. However, if the tank is not functioning properly, these contaminants can leach into the surrounding soil and eventually reach groundwater sources.

To prevent groundwater pollution from septic systems, proper maintenance is essential. Homeowners and business owners who rely on septic systems for waste management are responsible for ensuring the safety of groundwater and drinking water on their property. This includes regular servicing of septic tanks and proper disposal of hazardous materials to prevent them from reaching groundwater sources.

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