Water Pollution: Reducing Our Impact For A Better Future

Water pollution is a pressing environmental issue, with over 70% of the Earth's surface covered in water. Water pollution is caused by human activity, including the use of plastics, industrial waste, pesticides, bacteria, and fertilizers. The consequences of water pollution are dire, including negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health. However, there are several ways to reduce water pollution and protect our precious water sources. From simple everyday changes at home to implementing water-saving systems, individual actions can create a ripple effect of positive change. This introduction will explore the causes and effects of water pollution and provide an overview of the practical steps that can be taken to address this global issue.

Reduce plastic consumption

Water pollution is a pressing issue, and plastic waste is a significant contributor. Here are some detailed and direct actions that can be taken to reduce plastic consumption and, in turn, help minimise water pollution:

Reduce Single-Use Plastic Consumption:

Single-use plastics are used once and then discarded, contributing to mounting plastic waste. Refuse plastic bags, straws, plastic cutlery, takeout containers, and disposable cups. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives like cloth bags, stainless steel or glass straws, utensils, and cups. These simple swaps can significantly reduce plastic waste.

Boycott Bottled Water:

Close to 20 billion plastic bottles are discarded annually. Carrying a reusable water bottle helps reduce this waste, saves money, and may even be a healthier choice. Consider installing a filter at home to refill your bottle with clean drinking water.

Avoid Microbeads:

Microbeads, tiny plastic particles found in some face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes, slip through water treatment plants and harm marine life. Opt for natural exfoliants like oatmeal or salt instead. Check cosmetic ingredient lists and avoid products containing polyethylene and polypropylene, which are types of microplastics.

Support Legislation and Organisations:

Advocate for and support legislation that curbs plastic production and holds producers accountable for their waste. The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act in the United States is an example of federal-level action. Additionally, support organisations working to reduce plastic pollution, such as the Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and Plastic Soup Foundation, through donations or volunteering.

Buy Second-Hand and Recycle:

Purchasing second-hand items reduces the demand for new plastic products. When buying new, choose products with minimal packaging or eco-friendly packaging. Recycle plastic waste responsibly, checking with local recycling programs to understand accepted plastic types. Remember, reducing plastic consumption is more effective than recycling, but recycling is still important to keep plastic out of the waste stream.

Reducing plastic consumption is a crucial step in minimising water pollution. By making conscious choices and supporting broader initiatives, individuals can play a significant role in protecting our water sources and the environment.

Properly dispose of toxic chemicals

Water pollution is a serious issue, with our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas drowning in chemicals, waste, and other pollutants. It is therefore important to properly dispose of toxic chemicals to reduce water pollution. Here are some ways to do this:

Avoid Pouring Chemicals Down the Drain

Do not dispose of toxic chemicals such as household cleaning agents, paints, oils, pesticides, medications, or other hazardous waste down the sink, toilet, or storm drain. These chemicals can contaminate water sources and pose a threat to human health and the environment.

Participate in Hazardous Waste Collection Programs

Many communities have hazardous waste collection programs or designated days for collecting hazardous waste. Contact your local public works department, sanitation department, or environmental health department to find out if your city has such a program. If not, advocate for the implementation of one.

Properly Dispose of Medications

Do not flush old prescription drugs or medications down the drain or toilet unless specifically directed to do so. Wastewater treatment plants may not be able to remove drugs from the sewer system, leading to contamination of rivers and streams. Dispose of medications in the trash to prevent them from entering local waterways.

Recycle Used Motor Oil

Recycling centers and service stations often accept used motor oil for recycling. Regularly maintain your vehicle to prevent leaks and properly dispose of any hazardous fluids, such as oil, antifreeze, or coolant, that may leak onto the ground and contaminate water sources.

Use Nontoxic and Environmentally Friendly Products

Reduce your purchase of products containing hazardous ingredients. Opt for nontoxic and environmentally friendly alternatives for household cleaning, laundry, and other purposes. This helps minimize the presence of toxic chemicals in your home and reduces the risk of improper disposal.

Avoid pouring grease down the drain

Water pollution is a pressing issue, and it is important to take steps to reduce it. One way to do this is by being mindful of what goes down our drains. Grease, fats, and oils should never be poured down the drain, as they can cause blockages and other plumbing issues. Here are some reasons why you should avoid pouring grease down the drain and some alternative disposal methods:

The Problem with Pouring Grease Down the Drain

When grease is poured down the drain, it can solidify and form clogs as its temperature lowers. These clogs can be difficult to remove and may lead to plumbing problems in your home. Even if the grease doesn't stick to your pipes, it can flow into the sewers, where it combines with oil from other households and restaurants. Over time, these grease formations break down into fatty acids and glycerol. The fatty acids bind with calcium to form "fatbergs", which are soap-like compounds that cling to sewer ceilings and grow in size, eventually clogging the entire sewer pipe.

Alternative Disposal Methods

Instead of pouring grease down the drain, wait for it to cool down and solidify. Then, use a spatula to remove the grease from the pan and throw it in the trash. You can also use paper towels to soak up the grease and then dispose of the paper towels in the trash. If you have a large amount of grease, pour it into a container while it's still hot and liquid. Once the container is full, throw it away or empty it into the trash. Alternatively, you can reuse cooking oils by pouring them into a glass container with a lid and storing them for future use.

The Impact of Grease on the Sewer System

The buildup of grease in the sewer system can have significant consequences. In 2019, a fatberg measuring 210 feet blocked a drain in the British town of Sidmouth, and it took more than eight weeks for the sewer team to clear it. According to a UK sewer worker, if left unaddressed, fatbergs can cause raw sewage to spurt from manholes. Therefore, it is essential that homeowners and restaurant owners work together to keep the sewer system free from grease and prevent these issues.

By disposing of grease properly and avoiding pouring it down the drain, you can help reduce water pollution and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Conserve water

Conserving water is essential to reducing water pollution. Here are some ways to conserve water and protect our precious water resources:

Reduce water wastage:

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes. Take shorter showers and draw less water for baths. Fix leaky faucets and pipes to prevent water wastage. Check your toilet for silent leaks by placing food colouring in the tank and checking if it leaks into the bowl.

Efficient appliances:

Install water-efficient appliances such as low-flow showerheads (2.5 gallons or less per minute) and toilets (1.6 gallons or less per flush). When buying a new washing machine, opt for an energy-efficient model that uses less water and electricity. Run the dishwasher and clothes washer only with full loads.

Water storage:

Keep a gallon of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold water. This simple habit can save gallons of water that usually go down the drain while waiting for the water to get cold.

Smart landscaping:

Use drought-tolerant plants and grasses for landscaping and reduce grass-covered areas. Cut your grass at least three inches high to shade the roots, making it more drought-resistant. Try to water your plants only in the evening or early morning to minimize evaporation.

Rainwater harvesting:

Invest in a rainwater harvesting system to collect rainwater for outdoor use, such as watering plants and washing cars. Rainwater is free of chlorine and other treatment chemicals, making it better for your plants and car paint.

Composting:

Instead of using a garbage disposal, compost your food scraps. This reduces water usage and keeps solid wastes out of the water supply.

Remember, conserving water not only helps reduce water pollution but also lowers your water bills and protects our precious water resources for future generations.

Adopt green farming practices

Agriculture is a major contributor to water pollution, and farmers have a vital role to play in protecting water quality. One way to do this is by adopting green farming practices.

One such practice is the adoption of organic farming methods. Organic farming reduces water pollution by minimising the use of synthetic agrochemicals and chemical pesticides. A study by the USDA found that nitrate loss from organic cropping systems was half that of conventional systems, with organic pasture systems losing the least amount of nitrates. Organic farming practices such as the application of composted animal manure, the use of forage legumes, and extended cropping rotations can improve water quality.

Another green farming practice is the implementation of nutrient management techniques. Farmers can improve nutrient management by applying the right amount of nutrients (fertiliser and manure) at the right time of year, with the correct method and placement. This ensures that nitrogen and phosphorus are fully utilised by the growing plants and do not end up in water bodies, causing eutrophication and harmful algal blooms.

Conservation drainage practices are also important. Subsurface tile drainage, for example, helps manage water movement through soils. By implementing strategies such as modifying drainage system design and operation, farmers can reduce nutrient loads in drainage water while maintaining adequate drainage for crop production.

Ensuring year-round ground cover is another way to reduce water pollution. Farmers can plant cover crops or perennial species to prevent periods of bare ground on farm fields, when the soil is most susceptible to erosion and nutrient loss into waterways.

Additionally, planting field buffers can help prevent nutrient loss. Farmers can plant trees, shrubs, and grasses along field edges, especially those bordering water bodies. These buffers can absorb or filter out excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, before they reach and pollute water bodies.

Frequently asked questions