Solving Water Pollution: Three Effective Strategies For Cleaner Waterways

Water pollution is a pressing issue that stems from a variety of sources, including industrial waste, oil spills, agricultural processes, and inappropriate sewage disposal. It poses risks to both human health and the environment, with potential consequences ranging from waterborne diseases to ecosystem destruction. To combat this, several solutions can be implemented, such as wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and water conservation. These strategies aim to reduce the amount of pollution entering water sources and protect the quality of drinking water. While there is no single answer to solving the water pollution crisis, here are three possible solutions that can help mitigate the problem:

Stop pollution at the source

One of the most effective ways to reduce water pollution is to treat it before it is reintroduced into the waterways. Wastewater treatment facilities can remove almost all pollutants in wastewater through chemical, physical, or biological processes. This is an important step in preventing further pollution of water sources.

Reduce the use of chemicals and dispose of them properly

Chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, motor oil, and other automotive fluids should be used sparingly and disposed of properly. These chemicals can contaminate water sources if they are poured down drains or sewers. Instead, take them to a designated toxic drop-off site.

Maintain your septic system

Septic tanks separate solids, greases, and liquids, with bacteria breaking down solids and treating liquids before they enter the absorption field. Have your septic tank inspected and pumped regularly by a professional. Do not flush prescription or over-the-counter medications down the toilet, as they can enter groundwater and water sources.

Manage stormwater

Stormwater picks up pollutants as it flows along sidewalks, streets, and lawns, eventually reaching storm drains, streams, and rivers. Treat and manage stormwater through processes like sand filtration, electrocoagulation, reverse osmosis, or advanced oxidation to reduce the amount of pollution that reaches natural water bodies.

Protect water sources with buffer zones

Plant riparian corridors, or buffer zones, of native vegetation along water bodies to regulate water temperature, prevent bank erosion, and filter pollutants. Create rotational grazing systems for livestock to reduce their impact on water sources and allow vegetation to recover.

Conserve water

Conserve water by turning off the tap while shaving or brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, and only watering your plants as needed. Install water-efficient toilets and appliances to reduce water usage and the burden on water treatment facilities.

Treat water before it's reintroduced to waterways

One of the most effective ways to reduce water pollution is to treat water before it is reintroduced to waterways. This process involves removing pollutants from wastewater through chemical, physical, or biological means in wastewater treatment facilities.

Wastewater treatment facilities are designed to slowly reduce the toxicity of sewage by taking it through several chambers, each with different processes. For instance, the water may undergo flocculation, where particles in the water are clumped together to form larger flocs that can be more easily removed. This is typically done by adding polymers or clay to the water. The water may also be treated with chlorine to kill any remaining bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. However, the amount of chlorine must be carefully controlled to avoid affecting the taste or odour of the water. After treatment, the water is typically stored in tanks until it is needed, at which point it is distributed to homes and businesses.

To ensure the equipment in wastewater treatment facilities is functioning optimally, it is important to use water treatment sensors. These sensors include pH sensors, conductivity sensors, and oxidation reduction potential sensors, all of which help to confirm that contaminants are being properly removed from the water.

In addition to treating sewage, stormwater management is another important aspect of water treatment. Stormwater can pick up harmful pollutants as it flows along sidewalks, streets, and lawns, eventually carrying these pollutants into storm drains, streams, and rivers. By treating and managing stormwater through processes such as sand filtration, electrocoagulation, reverse osmosis, and advanced oxidation, the amount of pollution that reaches natural water bodies can be reduced.

Furthermore, water conservation plays a crucial role in maintaining water purity. By reducing water usage, individuals can help lessen the burden on water treatment facilities and decrease the amount of wastewater produced. This can be achieved through simple daily habits such as turning off the water while shaving or brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, and using water-efficient toilets.

Manage stormwater

Stormwater runoff is rainwater mixed with contaminants that flow into storm drains and then into local waterways. This can include bacteria, toxic chemicals, oil, dirt, and trash. This polluted stormwater degrades our lakes, rivers, and oceans, and can be harmful to wildlife.

To manage stormwater, it is important to prevent contaminants from entering the stormwater system. This can be done by:

• Properly disposing of hazardous waste, such as motor oil, paint, and chemicals.
• Reducing the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, and using organic alternatives when possible.
• Not dumping anything down storm drains, including leaves and debris, which can block the system.
• Maintaining your septic system to prevent leaks and spills, which can allow harmful bacteria to enter the stormwater system.
• Fixing any fluid leaks and cleaning up spills promptly.

In addition to preventing contaminants from entering the stormwater system, it is also important to manage the stormwater itself. This can be done by:

• Planting a rain garden or using a rain barrel to collect and absorb stormwater runoff.
• Maintaining your neighborhood stormwater pond.
• Working with nature to maintain your yard, for example, by preserving existing trees, which help to hold rainfall and manage stormwater, or planting native, drought-resistant plants that require less watering.
• Volunteering for stream restoration or other local projects to maintain the stormwater system and prevent flooding.

Conserve water

Water conservation is an important method of maintaining the health of the environment and reducing water pollution. Water is a finite resource, and if not managed properly, shortages will occur. Here are some ways to conserve water and reduce water pollution:

In the Home

• Only run the dishwasher or clothes washer with a full load. This will conserve water and electricity.
• When washing clothes, use the minimum amount of detergent and wash with cold water when possible.
• Install a water-efficient showerhead (2.5 gallons or less per minute) and take shorter showers.
• Install a low-flow toilet (1.6 gallons or less per flush).
• Check your toilet for leaks by placing a few drops of food colouring in the tank; if the colour appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
• When shaving or brushing your teeth, turn off the water.
• Only use phosphate-free soaps and detergents.

Outdoors

• Water your lawn or plants only when necessary and in the evening or very early morning to minimize evaporation.
• Position sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn or garden, avoiding windy days when water may be blown away.
• Use drought-tolerant plants and grasses for landscaping and reduce grass-covered areas.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Wash your car less often, and when you do, use a bucket of soapy water and a hose only to rinse.

By implementing these water conservation practices, we can help protect the environment and reduce water pollution.

Maintain septic systems

Maintaining a septic system is critical to protecting groundwater, lakes, and streams, and human health. Here are some ways to maintain a septic system to reduce water pollution:

Firstly, it is important to understand how a septic system works. A conventional septic system is made up of a septic tank and a drain field or leach field. The septic tank separates solids, which settle at the bottom as sludge, from oils and grease, which float to the top and form a scum layer. The liquid wastewater in the middle layer flows out through pipes into the drain field, where it percolates down through the ground.

To maintain the septic tank, it is crucial to periodically clean it out to remove the sludge and scum buildup. This can be done by pumping out the tank when the sludge and scum levels reach a certain height, as indicated by a septic professional. It is also important to avoid flushing or pouring substances that can harm the septic system, such as trash, wet wipes, cigarette butts, paper towels, facial tissues, oil, fat, grease, harsh cleaning products, and excessive detergents. These substances can clog the septic system and affect its ability to properly treat wastewater.

Additionally, it is important to conserve water to reduce the amount of water entering the septic system. This can be done by repairing leaks, using low-flow fixtures, and reducing water usage, such as by running the washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full.

Another aspect of maintaining a septic system is taking care of the surface and the drain field. It is recommended to keep the area surrounding the septic tank free of heavy vehicles or equipment to avoid compacting the soil. Planting grass over the drain field can help stabilize the soil and absorb liquids and nutrients. It is also crucial to maintain an appropriate distance between trees and the drain field to prevent roots from growing into the septic system.

By following these maintenance guidelines, you can help ensure your septic system effectively treats sewage, reducing water pollution and protecting the environment.

Frequently asked questions