Water Pollution: What's Being Done?

Water pollution is a pressing issue that threatens the health of millions of people and the environment worldwide. With freshwater resources being incredibly scarce, accounting for only 3% of the world's water, it is imperative to address the contamination of our rivers, lakes, and oceans. The leading causes of water pollution include agricultural runoff, urban and transport runoff, sewage overflow, and chemical dumping from industrial sectors. While nature can also contribute to water pollution, human activities are the predominant cause. To combat this, various efforts are being undertaken, such as the Clean Water Act in the United States, which holds polluters accountable, and the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty protecting wetlands. Additionally, organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and WWF are working to restore water bodies, develop guidelines, and promote climate change adaptation. Individuals can also play a role by reducing plastic consumption, properly disposing of waste, and advocating for stronger regulations to protect our precious water resources.

The Clean Water Act and other legislation

The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the primary law in the US that governs pollution control and water quality in the nation's waterways. The CWA was enacted in 1948 as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and was significantly expanded in 1972. The Act's objective is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters.

The CWA establishes conditions and permitting for discharging pollutants into US waters under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). It prohibits the discharge of any pollutant from a point source into US waters without a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or an authorized state. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches. The EPA's NPDES permit program controls these discharges, and industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly into surface waters.

The CWA has also enabled the EPA to implement pollution control programs, such as setting wastewater standards for industries and water quality criteria for all contaminants in surface waters. The EPA, along with states, tribes, and territories, is responsible for monitoring the quality of US water bodies, including lakes, rivers, streams, and estuaries. They must identify water bodies impaired by pollutants and plan for their restoration.

In addition to the CWA, other legislation and initiatives address water pollution. The EPA has undertaken large-scale watershed restoration efforts, protecting aquatic ecosystems and wetlands in important geographic areas. For example, from 2002 to 2021, the EPA awarded approximately $31 million for projects to restore the Lake Pontchartrain Basin, which has been polluted by stormwater, sewage, and agricultural runoff.

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) amended the CWA, enhancing requirements for contingency planning and increasing penalties for non-compliance. OPA 90 also preserved state authority to establish laws governing oil spills. Furthermore, the international Ramsar Convention was established to protect wetlands worldwide, with designated sites committing to safeguarding them from development, pollution, and drainage.

Regulation of the agriculture sector

Agriculture is a major contributor to water pollution, and the sector must be effectively regulated to mitigate this issue. Here are some measures and strategies aimed at reducing water pollution from agricultural activities:

Regulations and Policies

• The Water Framework Directive by the European Community: This directive, passed in December 2000, aims to restore all aquatic systems in Europe to "good ecological quality." It addresses chemical water quality and, more importantly, ecological quality. It focuses on mitigating the overall consequences of human activities on receiving ecosystems.
• The National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI): Launched in 2012 by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with the EPA and state nonpoint source programs, NWQI aims to reduce the runoff of agriculture-related nutrients, sediment, and pathogens in small, high-priority watersheds across the United States.
• The Water Resources (Control of Pollution) Regulations: These regulations, such as the ones enacted in England in 2010, focus on silage, slurry, and agricultural fuel oil. They dictate how and where manures and manufactured fertilizers must be stored and applied, including minimum distances from watercourses.
• Farming Rules for Water: Farmers in England and Wales must follow these rules, which include taking reasonable precautions to prevent soil erosion and runoff and planning nutrient applications based on soil and crop needs.
• The Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution Regulations: These regulations, enacted in England in 2018, outline actions for farmers to prevent diffuse agricultural water pollution.

Best Practices and Strategies

• Nutrient Management: This involves targeted fertilizer and manure application using soil testing, crop-specific calibration, and timing applications to maximize uptake and minimize runoff.
• Irrigation Techniques: Using drip irrigation instead of furrow irrigation reduces water loss and allows better control of pesticide and nutrient amounts in irrigation water.
• Livestock Manure Storage: Storing manure in lagoons, covered stockpiles, or protected upland areas minimizes runoff risks.
• Conservation Practices: Implementing carefully tailored systems of conservation practices, such as contour strip cropping, can reduce erosion and runoff, improving water quality.
• Veterinary Medicines: Encouraging sustainable and healthy diets can reduce the demand for meat from industrial farms, decreasing the use of antibiotics, vaccines, and growth promoters that can enter water ecosystems.
• Reducing Food Waste: Minimizing food losses and waste can reduce the waste of resources and associated environmental impacts, including water pollution.

By implementing and enforcing these regulations, policies, and best practices, the agriculture sector can significantly reduce its impact on water pollution and contribute to the preservation of aquatic ecosystems and human health.

Watershed restoration

One example of watershed restoration is the work undertaken by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. For decades, stormwater, sewage, and agricultural runoff have polluted the waters of this basin. From 2002 to 2021, the EPA awarded approximately $31 million for projects to help restore this basin and developed a plan outlining restoration goals and potential projects to achieve them.

Another example is the Watershed Condition Framework (WCF) developed by the Forest Service to improve watersheds in an impaired condition. The WCF provides a comprehensive approach for evaluating and prioritizing watersheds for restoration or maintenance, strategically implementing integrated restoration, and tracking and monitoring outcomes. This includes identifying priority watersheds, developing Watershed Restoration Action Plans (WRAPs), and scheduling priority actions.

Identifying high-risk locations

• Agricultural Areas: Agriculture is a significant water polluter, and regions with intensive farming practices warrant close attention. Nutrient pollution from excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water or air can lead to toxic algal blooms. Runoff from farms carrying pesticides, fertilisers, and slurry can contaminate nearby water bodies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US, for instance, has implemented the Farming Rules for Water, working with farmers to ensure they take precautions to minimise pollution from nutrient applications and livestock management.
• Industrial and Urban Centres: Urban and transport runoff pollute water bodies with a range of contaminants, from litter and petrol to pesticides. Industrial activities contribute to water pollution through chemical dumping, sewage discharge, and the release of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Abandoned metal mines can also contaminate nearby water sources with heavy metals.
• Wetlands: Wetlands are essential ecosystems that support biodiversity and provide vital services such as water filtration and flood control. Unfortunately, they are highly vulnerable to pollution and drainage issues. The Ramsar Convention, an international treaty, aims to protect wetlands worldwide, with over 2,000 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance.
• Rivers: Rivers are particularly susceptible to pollution from various sources, including agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and sewage discharge. The River Ganges in India, for example, is heavily polluted with high levels of faecal bacteria. The Water and Abandoned Metal Mines (WAMM) programme in the UK is working to improve water quality in rivers affected by abandoned mine wastes.
• Oceans and Seas: The oceans and seas are at risk from a multitude of pollutants. Plastic pollution, for instance, often originates from fishing boats, tankers, and cargo shipping. Oil transportation and storage are also subject to leaks and spills that can have devastating impacts on marine environments.
• Developing and Water-Stressed Countries: Inadequate sanitation and unsafe drinking water are prevalent issues in many developing regions, exposing people to waterborne diseases. Over 2 billion people live in water-stressed countries, and this number is expected to grow due to climate change and population growth. Reusing wastewater and sludge can help improve water security, but it must be done safely and with proper treatment to protect human and environmental health.

By identifying these high-risk locations and implementing targeted measures, authorities and organisations can work towards mitigating water pollution and safeguarding this precious resource for current and future generations.

Public awareness and collective action

The public has a vital role in advocating for stronger regulations and holding industries and governments accountable for their actions. Individuals can support existing legislation, such as the Clean Water Act, which holds polluters accountable. However, it is also important to push for regulations that address modern-day challenges, including microplastics, PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and other emerging contaminants. Public pressure can lead to the development and enforcement of environmental standards and permits to control pollution.

Additionally, public awareness can lead to collective action and behaviour changes that reduce water pollution. Individuals can properly dispose of waste, avoid pouring harmful substances into storm sewers, and support initiatives promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Public awareness can also lead to increased support for organisations working to restore and protect water sources, such as the work done by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Sankat Mochan Foundation.

Furthermore, public engagement is essential in pushing for improvements in water management and sanitation infrastructure. This includes advocating for better wastewater treatment processes, as currently, more than 80% of the world's wastewater is released into the environment without adequate treatment. Improved water supply and sanitation systems can have significant economic benefits and contribute to poverty reduction.

Finally, public awareness can lead to a better understanding of the value of water and the importance of conservation. With only 3% of the world's water being freshwater, and two-thirds of that inaccessible, water scarcity is a critical issue. Educating the public about water scarcity and pollution can inspire individuals to take action, such as reducing water consumption and supporting initiatives to protect and restore wetlands, which provide essential ecosystem services.

Frequently asked questions