Preventing Water Pollution: Simple Measures, Big Impact

Water pollution is a critical global issue that poses a threat to humans and the entire ecosystem. It is caused by various factors, including industrial waste, human and animal activities, and improper waste management, leading to contaminated water that results in harmful infections and disorders. Preventing water pollution is essential to ensure a steady and healthy water supply. This can be achieved through a combination of individual actions and community efforts. Individual actions, such as reducing plastic consumption, properly disposing of chemicals, and maintaining vehicles to prevent leaks, can significantly reduce water pollution. Additionally, communities can implement control measures like reducing sewage dumping, improving waste management practices, and advocating for stricter regulations to hold polluters accountable. By working together and making conscious choices, we can effectively address this pressing issue and safeguard our water resources for the future.

Reduce plastic consumption and dispose of chemicals properly

Plastic is a major contributor to water pollution. It is omnipresent in our lives, from product packaging to cosmetics and even in our clothing. To reduce plastic consumption, it is important to make conscious choices and opt for plastic-free alternatives. This can include switching to wooden pegs instead of plastic ones for hanging laundry, or carrying a reusable coffee cup or flask instead of using disposable cups. Reusable crockery and cutlery can also be used instead of disposable options when getting food on the go. In addition, products delivered in glass bottles, such as milk, fruit juices, eggs, and bread, can be purchased without plastic packaging.

When it comes to disposing of chemicals properly, it is crucial to follow local guidelines and regulations. Hazardous waste, for example, must be labelled according to state and federal laws, and proper labels should include specific information about the substance. In the case of lab chemicals, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires chemical manufacturers to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for each hazardous chemical. These sheets contain important health and safety data. It is also important to work with a reputable disposal company that specializes in chemical waste disposal and is familiar with the regulations surrounding it.

For household chemicals, it is important to never dispose of them down the drain, into a storm sewer, or at the curb. This includes products like motor oil, automotive fluids, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and cleaning products. Instead, communities often have special waste drop-off sites or events where these products can be safely discarded.

Additionally, certain products like car batteries, tires, and electronics contain harmful substances that can seep into waterways if not properly discarded. It is important to promptly fix fluid leaks, clean up spills, and learn how to safely dispose of automotive and electronic products to prevent water pollution.

Minimise the use of pesticides and herbicides

Minimising the use of pesticides and herbicides is an important step in preventing water pollution. While pesticides can be valuable in controlling weeds, insects, and other pests, they can also be harmful to wildlife, including birds, fish, and plants, if not used properly. Here are some ways to minimise their use:

Alternative Pest Control Methods

Before resorting to pesticides, try alternative pest control tactics, especially in your home or garden. For example, diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic method to control insects indoors. In your garden, grow healthy plants using organic methods, which can be an effective pest deterrent. There are also natural pest control options, such as beneficial insects, non-toxic remedies, traps, and barriers.

Reduce Exposure

Pesticides are often used in agriculture and can contaminate produce. To reduce your exposure, buy organic, in-season produce from your local market, as this is the best assurance of pesticide-free food. Look for produce stickers starting with the number 9 and consisting of five digits. Even with homegrown produce, wash it carefully before consuming, as pesticides may be sprayed aerially or carried by the wind.

Proper Use and Storage

If you must use pesticides, always follow the directions and requirements on the product labels. Store and dispose of pesticides properly, and keep them out of waters and areas near water bodies, such as rivers and sewers. Inspect containers regularly for leaks and corrosion, and mix and rinse them in areas where the water cannot enter sewers or storm drains.

Protect Wildlife

Minimise harm to wildlife by using pesticides only when necessary and treating specific areas. Avoid using pesticides when bees are actively foraging, and create a vegetative buffer strip between treated fields and areas with wildlife, including downhill aquatic habitats.

Reduce water wastage and use drought-tolerant plants

Preventing water pollution is a critical step in ensuring the longevity of our water sources and the health of our planet. One of the key preventive measures is reducing water wastage and adopting water-saving practices in our daily lives. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Reduce Water Wastage

• Use a bowl when washing fruits, vegetables, or dishes, as it can reduce water wastage by 50%. The wastewater can then be used to water plants.
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Running taps waste up to 9 litres of water per minute.
• Only run the dishwasher or clothes washer when you have a full load. Dishwashers use around 10-15 litres of water per cycle, while washing machines use around 7 litres for each kilogram of clothes.
• Take shorter showers and avoid baths. A five-minute shower with an efficient showerhead uses around 40 litres of water, while most baths use 35-50 gallons.
• Use a water-saving device in your toilet cistern, such as a Cistern Displacement Device (CDD). This can reduce water waste by several litres per flush and save up to 5000 litres per year.
• Instead of using a sprinkler or hosepipe in your garden, switch to a watering can. Sprinklers and hosepipes can use an excessive amount of water, up to 1000 litres of water an hour.
• Collect rainwater by installing a water butt to your downpipe. This can store between 100 and 700 litres of water, reducing the need for treated water.
• Regularly check your plumbing for leaks, including outdoor faucets and pipes. Leaking toilets, in particular, can be a significant source of water waste.
• Install aerators on faucets. Aerators mix air with water flow, reducing water usage without sacrificing water pressure.

Use Drought-Tolerant Plants

Incorporating drought-tolerant plants into your garden or landscape offers several benefits, including water conservation and reduced maintenance. Here are some examples of drought-tolerant plants:

• Succulents: These plants are known for their water-retaining abilities and attractive foliage.
• Xeriscaping Plants: Adapted to arid conditions, these plants create vibrant landscapes with minimal water usage.
• Mediterranean-zone Plants: Plants native to California, southern Europe, South America, and other Mediterranean climates are suited to long, dry summers and short, rainy winters.

By adopting these water-saving practices and utilising drought-tolerant plants, we can significantly reduce water wastage and contribute to the prevention of water pollution.

Wash your car less or at a car wash that recycles water

Washing your car in your driveway can contribute to water pollution. The soap, scum, and oily grit from your car run into the storm drain and directly into lakes, rivers, and streams, causing pollution that is harmful to everyone.

To prevent this, you can wash your car less often. Alternatively, you can take it to a car wash where water is recycled and treated before being sent to a wastewater treatment facility. Most commercial car washes use 60% less water in the entire washing process than a simple home wash, and they reuse wash water several times before sending it for treatment.

If you do decide to wash your car at home, there are ways to reduce the impact on the environment. You can wash your car on the grass or gravel instead of the street. This will allow the water to percolate or soak into the ground, where the soil can act as a natural filter. Make sure to dump your bucket in your sink or allow it to filter through the ground, rather than down the driveway. You should also use a bucket of soapy water instead of running a hose, and keep a spring-loaded nozzle on the hose.

To find out more about the advantages of using commercial car washes, you can contact your local car wash association, which can provide information on the latest technologies car washes are using to battle nonpoint source pollution.

Avoid littering and dumping waste into storm sewers

Storm sewers are often misunderstood to be connected to wastewater treatment plants. In reality, the water that enters storm sewers often collects in large pipes and is discharged directly into the closest body of water, such as a river, untreated. This means that any pollutants that enter the storm sewer will also end up in these waterways, causing water quality issues and negatively impacting the ecosystem.

To avoid littering and dumping waste into storm sewers, it is important to properly dispose of chemicals and other waste. Motor oil, automotive fluids, paint, herbicides, pesticides, and swimming pool chemicals should be brought to a facility for proper disposal. Hazardous waste programs provided by your city or county can also help with the safe disposal of these materials. It is also important to keep trash and recycling carts closed at all times to prevent trash from blowing out and entering storm sewers.

Another way to prevent littering and dumping waste into storm sewers is to sweep lawn debris, such as grass clippings and leaves, onto your lawn instead of into the street or storm drain. Lawn debris can provide excess nutrients and promote algae growth, which can have severe negative impacts on water ecosystems. Additionally, try to wash your car on the lawn or at a car wash that recycles water. This prevents soapy water from washing into a storm drain and allows plants and soil to filter the water instead.

Using porous pavement, such as gravel, instead of asphalt for driveways and walkways can also help prevent littering and dumping waste into storm sewers. This allows rainwater to recharge groundwater supplies instead of running off and contributing to erosion. Implementing these practices and being mindful of proper waste disposal can help reduce water pollution and keep our waterways clean.

Frequently asked questions