Reducing Water Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Future

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with over 70% of the Earth's surface being water. Water pollution is caused by human activity, including the use of plastics, industrial waste, pesticides, bacteria, and fertilizers. The effects of water pollution are detrimental, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and causing diseases in humans. However, there are several ways to reduce water pollution and protect our water sources. Firstly, individuals can make changes at home, such as reducing water waste, using water-efficient appliances, and properly disposing of household chemicals and waste. Additionally, we can reduce plastic waste, cut down on the use of pesticides and herbicides, and properly manage stormwater runoff. By implementing these measures, we can work towards cleaner and safer water for both humans and the environment.

Reduce plastic usage

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, threatening marine life and ecosystems, and it is important that we all take steps to reduce our plastic usage.

One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste is to avoid single-use plastics. These are items such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, and containers, which are used once and then thrown away. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, water bottles, coffee cups, and cutlery. Refuse single-use plastic items and support businesses that offer alternatives. When buying products, choose items with minimal packaging and, if possible, purchase products made from recycled plastic materials.

Another way to reduce plastic waste is to support legislation and initiatives that aim to curb plastic production and waste. This includes supporting laws that limit or tax single-use plastic items, such as plastic bags, bottles, and takeout containers. At a larger scale, support policies and organizations that address plastic pollution, such as the Global Plastics Treaty, which aims to set global rules to reduce plastic pollution.

Microplastics are another significant source of pollution. These tiny plastic particles are found in products like face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes, and they easily enter our oceans and waterways. Avoid products containing microbeads or microplastics, and opt for natural alternatives instead.

It is also important to recycle plastic waste properly. Check with your local recycling program to understand which types of plastic they accept. Look for recycling symbols on plastic products to determine if they can be recycled in your community. Additionally, consider purchasing in bulk and choosing products with eco-friendly packaging to reduce the overall amount of plastic waste.

By making these conscious choices, we can all play a part in reducing plastic pollution and its harmful impact on the environment.

Cut down on pesticides and herbicides

Pesticides and herbicides are designed to kill pests, including insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides), and fungi (fungicides). They are toxic materials that pose a significant risk to the environment and human health. Here are some ways to cut down on their use:

Read and follow directions

When using pesticides, carefully read and follow the directions on the packaging. This will ensure that you are using the product correctly and reducing the risk of misuse, which can lead to water pollution.

Avoid sprays with smaller droplets

Choose sprays with larger droplets as they are less likely to spread easily. Smaller droplets can be carried by the wind and end up contaminating water sources.

Check the weather

Avoid using pesticides if the weather forecast predicts rain or heavy winds. Rain can wash away pesticides before they have a chance to bind to their targets, leading to water pollution. Heavy winds can carry pesticides to unintended areas.

Clean equipment properly

Make sure to clean your pesticide equipment away from waterways or storm drains. This will prevent any remaining pesticides from entering water sources directly.

Consider non-toxic alternatives

Explore non-toxic methods to control pests, such as integrated pest management (IPM), which encourages natural barriers and limits the use of pesticides. This can help reduce the amount of pesticides released into the environment.

Minimize usage

At home, minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides on your lawn and gardens. Select plants native to your area that can thrive in your landscape's natural conditions, reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

Additionally, consider eating more organic food. Organic foods are typically produced with fewer synthetic chemicals, reducing the amount of chemical pollution that ends up in water sources.

Improve wastewater treatment

Wastewater treatment is a process that can be improved with your help. Here are some ways to improve wastewater treatment and reduce water pollution:

Upgrade Pump Stations

Pump stations are used in almost every community's collection system, and older pumps were typically designed to operate at a single speed. Upgrading to newer, more efficient pump/motor/drive combinations can improve performance and save energy. Inexpensive variable frequency drives (VFDs) can be used to match pump speeds to flow rates, further optimising energy efficiency and reducing water waste.

Optimize Aeration

Aeration systems in activated sludge wastewater treatment plants account for a large portion of electricity usage. Optimising aeration by upgrading blowers and air distribution systems with VFDs and installing dissolved oxygen control systems can decrease electricity consumption. Aging blowers can be replaced with a single high-efficiency turbo blower, and aging diffuser systems can be swapped for new fine-pore or ultra-fine-pore diffusers to improve oxygen transfer efficiency.

Improve Sludge Management

Solids handling processes use a lot of energy at wastewater treatment facilities, and there are several ways to save money and energy. Minimising the amount of transported water and solids, and using biogas for electricity production and heating water (co-generation) can reduce energy consumption and costs.

Recover/Recycle Essential Nutrients

If your plant utilises biological phosphorus removal, consider creating a marketable commercial-grade fertilizer. This turns an operational cost into a revenue stream and improves the plant's performance by reducing phosphorus in recycle streams.

Go Light on Disinfection

Hazardous and costly chlorine disinfection can be replaced with ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection systems, which have minimal energy usage and decommissioning costs.

Individual Actions

Individuals can also play a role in improving wastewater treatment. In your home, you can install water-efficient showerheads and toilets, compost food scraps instead of using a garbage disposal, and only run the washing machine and dishwasher with full loads. These actions will reduce the amount of wastewater created and improve the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes.

Conserve water

Conserving water is essential to reducing water pollution. Here are some ways to conserve water and reduce pollution:

At Home

• Install a water-efficient showerhead (2.5 gallons or less per minute).
• Take short showers and draw less water for baths.
• Install a low-flow toilet (1.6 gallons or less per flush).
• Check your toilet for leaks by placing food colouring in the tank and seeing if it leaks into the bowl.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and shaving.
• Compost food scraps instead of using a garbage disposal in your sink.
• Keep a gallon of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold water.
• Run your washing machine with full loads of clothes and wash with cold water when possible.
• Install a drip-irrigation water system for valuable plants.
• Use drought-tolerant plants and grasses for landscaping and reduce grass-covered areas.
• Cut your grass at least three inches high to make it more drought-tolerant.
• Water your lawn in the evening or early morning to minimize evaporation.
• Wash your car less often or at a car wash that recycles water. If washing at home, use a bucket of soapy water instead of a running hose.

In the Community

• Participate in community groups that protect water sources.
• Volunteer for beach, stream, or wetland cleanups.
• Educate your community about water quality threats and actions to protect water quality.
• Organize a storm drain stencilling project to remind people not to dump waste into street drains.
• Work with your local water utility to promote source water protection.
• Advocate for proper disposal of hazardous waste, such as cooking fats and oils, down the sink.
• Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, as they can contaminate groundwater and runoff into waterways.

Reduce runoff

Runoff pollution is caused by rainwater and melting snow that washes off impermeable surfaces, such as roofs and driveways, and carries pollutants into the water supply. This can be a significant source of water pollution and can harm the environment in several ways. Here are some ways to reduce runoff and mitigate its impact:

Reduce the Volume of Runoff

One way to reduce runoff is to minimise the amount of water that becomes runoff in the first place. This can be achieved by using permeable surfaces that allow water to infiltrate and soak into the ground rather than running off. For example, porous pavement such as gravel can be used for driveways and walkways, allowing rainwater to recharge groundwater supplies instead of running off. Permeable paving or patterns of cement and brick can also be used for driveways and patios to enable water to filter through.

Direct Runoff to Vegetated Areas

Directing runoff to areas with vegetation, such as gardens or lawns, can help reduce its impact. Vegetation acts as a natural filter and can absorb and clean polluted runoff to some extent. Instead of allowing runoff to flow directly into storm drains, direct it towards areas with plants or soil that can help mitigate the pollution.

Implement Water-Friendly Landscaping

Landscaping projects can be used to slow down, catch, and filter rainwater or snowmelt, reducing the effects of runoff pollution. For example, terracing creates level soil and vertical walls, allowing more water to be absorbed than sloped terrains. Rain gardens and bioswales are attractive landscape features that soak up rainfall and slowly release it, reducing the amount of water that becomes runoff.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Vehicles can be a significant source of pollutants in runoff. It is important to properly maintain your car or truck to prevent leaks and spills. Regularly check for leaks and have them fixed promptly. Recycle used oil, antifreeze, and other fluids, and never dump them down a storm drain.

Responsible Pet Ownership

Pet waste can also contribute to runoff pollution. It is important to pick up after your pets and properly dispose of their waste. Composting manure in a designated area can help prevent it from washing into nearby waterways.

Frequently asked questions