Preventing Water Pollution: Strategies For A Sustainable Future

Water pollution is a pressing issue that requires collective action from communities, citizen groups, and individuals. While the main culprits of water pollution are plastics, industrial waste, pesticides, bacteria, and fertilizers, human activity contributes to almost all pollution in aquatic environments. To combat this, individuals can make simple everyday changes at home, such as reducing water waste, properly disposing of chemicals and medications, and minimizing the use of pesticides and herbicides. Communities can also play an active role by implementing source water protection measures and working with potential polluters to reduce contamination. Governments and water utilities have a critical role in promoting source water protection and providing information, safety monitoring, and emergency response. Together, these efforts can help stop water pollution and protect our precious water sources.

Properly dispose of pet waste

Properly disposing of pet waste is an important aspect of pet ownership and can help to stop water pollution. Pet waste should always be picked up and removed from your property regularly. It is a common misconception that pet waste can be left on the ground or in a specific area of the yard as it will naturally decompose and act as a fertiliser. However, this can harm soil quality and pose health risks to both people and animals.

Pet waste should be scooped into a bag, double-wrapped, and placed in the garbage for collection and landfill disposal. It is important to double-bag the waste and tie knots to ensure it is properly sealed and to protect garbage collectors. Reusing old plastic bags or using biodegradable bags can make this method more environmentally friendly. However, it is important to check local laws and regulations, as there may be specific requirements for pet waste disposal in your area.

Another option for disposal is to flush pet waste down the toilet, as municipal water treatment facilities are equipped to process it. This method is considered the most sustainable by the Environmental Protection Agency. When collecting waste, it is ideal to use a paper towel or tissue, although this may be less convenient for pet owners.

Composting pet waste is possible but requires specific conditions. The compost heap must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately five days to safely sterilise the manure. Backyard compost systems typically do not reach this temperature, and even if they do, the waste should not be used as fertiliser. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, dog waste, whether composted or not, should never be used on crops intended for human consumption.

Reduce use of antibacterial products

Water pollution is a pressing issue, and there are many ways to help stop it. One way is to reduce the use of antibacterial products.

The use of antibacterial products, such as soaps and body washes, is a common practice for many people hoping to keep their families safe and lower their risk of getting sick. However, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, there isn't sufficient evidence to show that over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial soaps are more effective at preventing illness than plain soap and water. In fact, the FDA issued a rule in 2016 prohibiting the marketing of 19 active ingredients, including triclosan and triclocarban, in non-prescription consumer antiseptic wash products.

Antibacterial soaps, sometimes called antimicrobial or antiseptic soaps, contain certain active ingredients not found in plain soaps. These ingredients are added to reduce or prevent bacterial infection. However, there is no data to support the claim that these products provide additional protection from diseases and infections. Using them might even give people a false sense of security, leading them to believe they are protected when they may not be.

The use of antibacterial products can contribute to water pollution, specifically antibiotic pollution in surface water. This type of pollution is a global challenge, affecting even pristine mountain environments. Antibiotics can enter water bodies through various sources, including municipal sewage discharges, animal husbandry, landfill leachates of antibiotic disposal, and agricultural runoff. The use of manure as fertilizer in agriculture can also lead to antibiotic residues and drug resistance determinants entering rivers and polluting the aquatic environment.

To reduce the use of antibacterial products and help stop water pollution, it is recommended to follow simple handwashing practices with plain soap and water. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and infections. Additionally, when washing clothes, it is advisable to use cold water and hang them to dry whenever possible.

Avoid dumping waste in storm drains

Storm drains often lead directly to the closest waterway, meaning that any waste dumped into them will end up in lakes, creeks, streams, and rivers. This waste can include dirt and pollution washed off urban surfaces, as well as lawn debris such as grass and tree clippings. To avoid dumping waste into storm drains, it is important to follow these guidelines:

Firstly, keep yard waste, such as leaves and grass clippings, away from storm drains. Yard waste can ruin waterways by using up oxygen and releasing pollutants that harm plants and other organisms. Instead, leave grass clippings on your lawn as fertilizer or place them in designated yard waste bins for pickup by your local waste management services.

Secondly, properly dispose of chemicals and hazardous materials. Substances like motor oil, batteries, paint, herbicides, pesticides, and swimming pool chemicals should never be poured down storm drains. Many of these products can be recycled or taken to a facility for proper disposal. Always clean up spills and prevent chemicals from reaching storm drains.

Thirdly, be mindful of pet waste. Rain can wash parasites and bacteria from pet waste into local waterways, causing harm to recreational users and degrading stream ecosystems. Pick up after your pets and dispose of their waste properly to prevent it from being washed into storm drains.

Additionally, sweep lawn care products like pesticides and fertilizers off hard surfaces such as patios and driveways. These products, when left on impervious surfaces, will eventually make their way into local water bodies. By sweeping them onto your lawn, you can minimize their impact on nearby waterways.

Finally, when washing your car, opt for a car wash that recycles water or wash it on your lawn. This prevents soapy water from washing into storm drains and allows plants and soil to filter the water naturally. If you must wash your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water instead of running a hose, and consider using a spring-loaded nozzle to reduce water usage.

Minimize use of private cars

Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution, and this has a knock-on effect on water pollution. Burning gasoline and diesel fuel creates harmful byproducts, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide, the most common human-caused greenhouse gas. Minimizing the use of private cars is, therefore, a key way to help stop water pollution.

One way to reduce private car usage is to opt for public transportation, such as buses and subways, which save about 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. If an individual switches a 20-mile daily round trip commute to public transportation, their annual CO2 emissions will decrease by about 4,800 pounds per year. Companies can also help by providing shuttle buses for employees or posting rideshare boards. Car cooperatives, where members can rent a car for a small fee, are becoming more popular in the United States.

Another way to minimize private car usage is to choose active travel options, such as walking or biking to your destination. For longer distances, you could try riding the bus or train. If public transportation is not an option, you may be able to carpool with someone who lives nearby, which will reduce pollution and save money on fuel.

If you do need to use a private car, there are still ways to minimize the pollution caused. You can drive the cleanest, most fuel-efficient vehicle you can afford, and make choices to drive less and drive smarter. Reducing the number of miles you drive is the best way to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles. Observing posted speed limits and accelerating gradually will also help, as driving faster and accelerating quickly burn more fuel and emit more air pollutants. Unnecessary idling of cars pollutes the air, wastes fuel, and causes excess engine wear. Modern vehicles do not need to "warm up" in the winter, so there is no need to turn on the engine until you are ready to drive.

Participate in clean-up events

Participating in clean-up events is a fantastic way to contribute to the effort to stop water pollution. Local organizations and government bodies often host such events, providing an opportunity to make a direct impact in your community. One example is the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), which organizes workshops and restoration events in the Bay watershed area. These events empower individuals to take action by teaching them practical skills, such as building a rain barrel, planting stream buffers, or working on living shorelines.

The CBF also emphasizes the importance of storm drain stenciling. This involves spreading awareness by stenciling messages near storm drains, reminding people that only rainwater should enter them. This initiative is crucial because many people are unaware that storm drains often lead directly to waterways, and any pollutants dumped into them can end up in the Bay.

Another way to get involved is through environmental education sessions and webinars. These events, often sponsored by government agencies like the NYSDEC, aim to inform and engage the public in protecting their local water bodies. They also address the specific needs of disadvantaged communities, offering grants to support environmental initiatives.

In addition to participating in organized events, you can take individual action to prevent polluted runoff from entering local creeks, rivers, and bays. This includes properly disposing of hazardous household items, such as oils, anti-freeze, paint, solvents, and prescription drugs, and ensuring that lawn fertilizers and chemicals don't contribute to toxic runoff.

You can also make a difference by volunteering with organizations like The Ocean Cleanup, which aims to rid the oceans of plastic through river interception and ocean cleanup technologies. By tackling pollution at its source and cleaning up what has already accumulated, we can make a significant impact on reducing water pollution and its harmful effects on marine life.

Frequently asked questions