Solving Water Pollution: Strategies To Save Our Waterways

Water pollution is a pressing issue, threatening the health of humans, wildlife, and the environment. It is caused by human activities that introduce pollutants into bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, leading to irreparable damage to ecosystems and a decline in water quality. While there is no single solution to this complex problem, there are several effective strategies that can help reduce water pollution and mitigate its harmful effects.

One crucial approach is to treat wastewater before it enters water bodies. Wastewater treatment facilities employ biological, physical, and chemical processes to remove contaminants, ensuring that water is safe before being released back into the environment. Additionally, individuals can play a significant role in reducing water pollution by properly disposing of waste and toxic chemicals, such as motor oil, paint, and pesticides. The use of phosphate-free and eco-friendly cleaning products is also encouraged to minimise the introduction of harmful chemicals into water sources.

Another important strategy is stormwater management. Stormwater can pick up pollutants as it flows along roads and surfaces, eventually carrying them into water bodies. By treating and managing stormwater through processes like sand filtration and advanced oxidation, we can prevent these pollutants from reaching rivers and oceans, reducing the overall pollution levels.

Plastic waste is another major contributor to water pollution, with millions of tons of plastic ending up in our oceans each year. To address this issue, it is essential to reduce plastic consumption and switch to reusable alternatives whenever possible. This includes avoiding single-use plastic products and opting for reusable shopping bags, containers, and tableware.

Water conservation is also key to reducing water pollution. By using water-efficient toilets, turning off running water when not in use, and adopting water-saving habits, we can reduce the amount of contaminated water that requires treatment and help prevent water shortages.

Lastly, green agriculture practices can play a significant role in reducing water pollution. Agriculture is a major contributor to water pollution due to the use of pesticides and fertilisers, which can wash into water bodies during rainfall. By adopting environmentally friendly farming methods, such as using organic gardening solutions and creating buffers around water bodies, we can minimise the impact of agriculture on water pollution.

Properly dispose of toxic chemicals

Properly disposing of toxic chemicals is an important step in reducing water pollution. Many toxic chemicals, such as cleaning agents, medications, pesticides, herbicides, and motor oil, should not be disposed of by pouring them down the sink or flushing them down the toilet. These chemicals can contaminate water systems and harm the environment.

To properly dispose of toxic chemicals, individuals can take them to a local hazardous waste facility or collection event. Some facilities allow residents to drive up and drop off their hazardous waste without even getting out of their cars. There may be a small fee for this service. It is important to store toxic chemicals in appropriate containers, such as plastic bottles, and to separate them by compatibility rather than alphabetically. Labels on containers should include the full chemical name, quantity, date of waste generation, place of origin, and contact information.

For certain types of toxic waste, such as paint, there may be specialised disposal options. For example, Oregon is part of PaintCare, a free statewide program that allows residents to recycle unwanted paint at over 170 paint stores. Similarly, Oregon E-Cycles is a program that offers free recycling for unwanted electronics, including computers, monitors, and printers.

In some cases, toxic chemicals may be reused or recycled. For example, fuel spills may be absorbed with cat litter or similar materials before being buried. However, it is important to note that the disposal of hazardous waste is regulated, and there are state and federal laws in place to ensure proper handling, storage, transport, and disposal.

Overall, properly disposing of toxic chemicals is a crucial step in reducing water pollution and protecting the environment. By following the appropriate guidelines and utilising the available resources, individuals can play a key role in mitigating the negative impacts of toxic chemicals on water systems.

Reduce plastic waste

Plastic waste is a significant issue, with around 8 million tonnes of plastic entering our oceans annually. This waste not only decays water supplies but also endangers marine life and contaminates drinking water. Here are some ways to reduce plastic waste:

• Refuse single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives. This includes items such as plastic bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, coffee cup lids, and plastic bottles. Instead, carry a reusable water bottle, use reusable shopping bags, and bring your own utensils and containers when eating out or getting takeout.
• Avoid products containing microbeads, such as facial scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes. These tiny plastic particles slip through water treatment plants and are often ingested by marine animals.
• Purchase items second-hand to reduce the demand for new plastic products.
• Support legislation that curbs plastic production and waste, such as the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act in the United States. Advocate for policies that limit, tax, or ban unnecessary single-use plastic items.
• Participate in or organize beach or river cleanups to remove plastics from the ocean and prevent them from reaching waterways.
• Choose clothing made from natural fibres like cotton and wool instead of synthetic fibres, as these contribute to microplastic pollution in the ocean.
• Put pressure on manufacturers to reduce their plastic packaging. Write letters, use social media to tag them, and support more sustainable competitors.

Install water-efficient toilets

Installing water-efficient toilets is an effective way to reduce water pollution. Toilets are the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30% of an average home's indoor water consumption. Older, inefficient toilets that use as much as 6 gallons per flush are a major source of wasted water.

Water-efficient toilets, on the other hand, use water velocity instead of volume to remove waste, increasing the velocity of the water when you flush and using about 1.28 gallons per flush compared to older toilets that can use up to 7 gallons per flush. This can reduce toilet water usage by 20 to 60%, saving nearly 13,000 gallons of water per year for the average family.

WaterSense-labelled toilets are independently certified to meet the EPA's criteria for both performance and efficiency. They are available at a wide variety of price points and styles, and in many areas, utilities offer rebates and vouchers to lower the cost. If you opt for a WaterSense-labelled dual-flush toilet, you can save even more water by choosing a "reduced flush" mode for liquid waste.

By replacing old, inefficient toilets with WaterSense-labelled models, we could save more than 260 billion gallons of water per year in the United States alone. This is equivalent to the amount of water that flows over Niagara Falls in about five days.

In addition to reducing water pollution, installing water-efficient toilets can also lead to significant cost savings. The average family could save more than $170 per year in water costs and $3,400 over the lifetime of the toilets.

When choosing a water-efficient toilet, there are several types to consider:

• Low-flow toilets: These use only one flush feature (1.3 gallons per flush) and are suitable for high-traffic bathrooms as they reduce confusion about which flush to use. While they tend to have a higher upfront cost, they can pay for themselves in less than seven years.
• Dual-flush toilets: These toilets offer two flush options, one for liquid waste (using 0.8 gallons of water) and one for solid waste (using 1.6 gallons of water). They can reduce water consumption by up to 67% compared to conventional toilets and are required by law in new construction in some areas.
• Power-flush toilets: These toilets use pressurized air in the tank to achieve additional force when you flush, making them efficient and reducing the need for double flushing. However, they tend to be louder than other types of toilets.
• Gravity-flush toilets: As the name suggests, these toilets use gravity to flush waste and are the most common type, offering a simple mechanism and a wide range of designs and styles. However, they use more water compared to other types of water-efficient toilets.

In addition to installing water-efficient toilets, there are other simple ways to reduce water waste from toilets:

• Displace some of the tank water: Place a sealed, half-gallon plastic jug filled with water and pebbles or marbles inside the tank to reduce the amount of water per flush.
• Adjust the water level: In older toilets, you can adjust the float rod downward to lower the float ball, causing the tank to fill to a lower level.
• Purchase a dual-flush conversion kit: If you're not ready to replace your toilet, you can install a dual-flush conversion kit, allowing you to choose between smaller and bigger flushes.
• Check for leaks: The average U.S. household loses up to 10,000 gallons of water per year due to leaks. To check for leaks, add dye to your toilet tank and check if any colour has leaked into the bowl after an hour.

By installing water-efficient toilets and adopting water-saving practices, we can significantly reduce water pollution and conserve this precious resource for future generations.

Conserve water

Conserving water is essential to reducing water pollution and ensuring a sustainable future for our planet. Here are some ways to conserve water and protect this precious resource:

Indoor Water Conservation:

• Fix leaks: A dripping tap can waste up to 15 litres of water a day. Fixing leaky toilets and taps can significantly reduce water wastage.
• Install water-efficient fixtures: Opt for high-efficiency toilets, aerators on faucets, and water-efficient showerheads. These fixtures reduce water usage without compromising functionality.
• Take shorter showers: Limit your shower time to 5 minutes or less. An average bath uses around 80 litres of water, while a shower typically uses between 6 and 45 litres.
• Turn off the tap when not in use: Simple habits like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving can save more than 6 litres of water per minute.
• Use appliances efficiently: Only run the dishwasher, washing machine, or clothes washer with full loads. Use eco-settings whenever possible and minimise the use of detergents and bleach.

Outdoor Water Conservation:

• Water-wise landscaping: Replace water-intensive grass with drought-resistant or tolerant plants and trees. Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate and require less irrigation.
• Recycle and reuse water: Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for outdoor watering. Recycle indoor water, such as wastewater from rinsing fruits and vegetables, to hydrate your plants.
• Reduce lawn watering: Avoid overwatering your lawn. Install rain sensors on irrigation systems to prevent unnecessary watering. Water your lawn early in the morning when temperatures are cooler to minimise evaporation.
• Water conservation techniques: Use mulch or bark in your garden to reduce evaporation. Consider microirrigation systems, which deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing water loss.
• Xeriscaping: In areas with water scarcity, consider xeriscaping, which involves planting drought-tolerant species that require minimal irrigation. This approach helps conserve water and creates a resilient landscape.

By adopting these water conservation practices, we can reduce water wastage, lower our water bills, and ensure that our ecosystems have sufficient water to support aquatic life and maintain their ecological functions.

Avoid using pesticides and fertilisers

Pesticides are one of the leading causes of water pollution. They are designed to kill insects and weeds but can also be toxic to a host of other organisms, including birds, fish, and beneficial insects. Pesticides can contaminate soil, water, and other vegetation. They can reach water bodies through runoff from treated plants and soil.

• Use organic gardening solutions: Opt for organic gardening solutions and stick with them. Organic methods can effectively control pests and promote healthy soil and plants.
• Use natural pest control methods: Ladybugs, green lacewings, and parasitic nematodes (roundworms) are natural predators that can help control pests. You can also use traps, such as sticky traps for fruit flies and yellow jackets, and physical barriers, such as floating row covers, to keep pests away from plants.
• Practice crop rotation: Planting different types of crops in alternating years can help disrupt the life cycle of pests and reduce the need for pesticides.
• Encourage natural predators: Birds, insects, and other organisms can help control pests. Avoid using insecticides that may harm these natural predators.
• Practice companion planting: Some plants can help repel pests when planted together. For example, marigolds can deter underground pests, and basil can repel flies and mosquitoes.
• Use mechanical and cultural controls: These methods involve physically removing pests or creating a barrier between the pests and the plants. For example, you can use traps, netting, or row covers to keep pests away from plants. You can also use tillage to bury pest insects or disrupt their life cycle.
• Improve soil health: Healthy soil can help plants better withstand pests and diseases. You can improve soil health by adding organic matter, using cover crops, and practising crop rotation.
• Practice integrated pest management (IPM): IPM is an eco-friendly approach to pest management that combines multiple strategies, such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and resistant varieties. IPM aims to reduce the negative impact of pests and minimise the use of pesticides.
• Fertiliser management: Farmers can reduce fertiliser use by adopting techniques such as precision agriculture, which uses technology to optimise fertiliser application, and integrated plant nutrition management, which focuses on managing the soil to maintain soil fertility.

Frequently asked questions