Strategies To Combat Water Pollution

Water pollution is a pressing global issue that requires immediate attention. Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate any body of water, including lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater, causing a decline in water quality and often resulting in toxic consequences for humans, animals, plants, and the environment. To address this critical challenge, it is essential to understand the diverse sources of water pollution, ranging from industrial activities and agricultural practices to improper waste disposal and stormwater runoff. Here are two effective ways to tackle water pollution and protect our precious water resources:

Two Ways to Solve a Water Pollution Problem

Reduce plastic usage

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide. It is estimated that between 4 and 12 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, with the amount projected to triple in the next 20 years. This plastic pollution is harmful to marine life, with scientists estimating that more than half of the world's sea turtles and nearly every seabird on Earth have consumed plastic in their lifetimes.

To reduce plastic usage, one of the most direct ways is to cut down on the use of single-use plastics. These include plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, and takeout containers. Refuse any single-use plastics that are unnecessary, and opt for reusable alternatives such as grocery bags, produce bags, bottles, utensils, coffee cups, and dry cleaning garment bags.

Another way to reduce plastic usage is to be cautious when purchasing cosmetic and beauty products. Microplastics, such as the tiny plastic scrubbers found in facial scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes, can slip through water treatment plants and are often mistaken for food by marine animals. Choose products with natural exfoliants like oatmeal or salt instead. When tested, only 13% of the 10 most popular brands from Europe's largest cosmetics manufacturers were found to be free of microplastics.

Additionally, it is important to dispose of plastic waste properly. Recycle or reuse plastic items whenever possible, and avoid littering or improperly disposing of plastic materials. By taking these steps, individuals can play a significant role in reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment.

Treat water before it enters the waterway system

Water pollution is a critical issue that jeopardizes human health and the environment. To address this, one effective strategy is to treat water before it enters the waterway system, removing harmful substances and ensuring it meets safety standards. This process involves multiple steps, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, tailored to the specific quality of the source water.

Coagulation is often the first step, where treatment plant staff add chemicals like specific types of salts, aluminum, or iron to help bind together dirt and other small particles. This is followed by flocculation, where the water is gently mixed to form larger, heavier particles called flocs. These flocs are created using long-chain polymers that grab onto colloidal and coagulated particles, pulling them together into visible, settleable particles.

The next step is sedimentation, where the flocs, being heavier than water, settle to the bottom of the water. This separates solids from the liquid, allowing the clear water on top to move on to the next step. Filtration is a critical stage in the process, where the water passes through various filters made of materials such as sand, gravel, or charcoal. These filters are designed to remove germs, including parasites, bacteria, and viruses, as well as dissolved particles such as dust and chemicals.

Disinfection is typically the final step in the water treatment process. This involves the use of chemical disinfectants like chlorine, chloramine, or chlorine dioxide to kill any remaining germs. Treatment plant staff ensure that the water has low levels of these chemical disinfectants before it leaves the plant, maintaining safety. Additionally, ultraviolet (UV) light or ozone can be used as an alternative or supplementary method of disinfection.

Treating water before it enters the waterway system is a comprehensive process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. By following these steps and adapting them to the specific characteristics of the source water, treatment plants can effectively remove pollutants and ensure that the water is safe for human consumption and minimizes harm to the environment.

Improve sewage treatment

Improving sewage treatment is a crucial aspect of tackling water pollution. Here are some detailed and focused instructions to address this issue:

Understanding the Problem

Firstly, it is essential to comprehend the root causes of water pollution. Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate any body of water, including rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas. These substances can be microorganisms, chemicals, oils, fertilizers, pesticides, and waste from farms, towns, and factories.

Treat Wastewater Effectively

Wastewater treatment facilities play a vital role in removing pollutants from wastewater. These facilities employ chemical, physical, or biological processes to gradually reduce the toxicity of sewage. However, it is important to note that not all facilities have the same capabilities due to differences in equipment and treatment methods.

Optimize Treatment Plants

To enhance the effectiveness of wastewater treatment plants, optimization strategies can be implemented. Optimization focuses on reducing energy demands and treatment chemical usage, resulting in cost savings. Additionally, technology upgrades may be necessary to achieve nutrient reduction goals, specifically targeting nitrogen and phosphorus loads.

Decentralize Treatment Systems

Some communities are exploring decentralized treatment systems to improve efficiency, keep water local, and reduce costs. Decentralization also helps address the energy demands associated with transporting and treating sewage. By generating, utilizing, and selling energy during the treatment process, communities can become more energy self-sufficient.

Maintain Septic Systems

For the approximately 20% of American homes that rely on septic systems, proper maintenance is crucial. Improperly managed septic systems can release elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus into local water bodies or groundwater, contributing to nutrient pollution.

Prevent Sewage from Reaching Waterways

It is essential to prevent sewage from reaching beaches and waterways. This can be achieved by properly disposing of waste and avoiding using the toilet as a wastebasket. Anything other than the “three Ps” (“pee, poop, and toilet paper”) can cause clogs and blockages in septic tanks and sewers, leading to sewage backups.

By following these instructions and staying informed about the unique qualities of water in your local area, you can play a significant role in improving sewage treatment and reducing water pollution.

Conserve water

Conserving water is one of the most effective ways to reduce water pollution. Water is a scarce resource, and by using less of it, we can reduce the pollution generated by treating water with chemicals and burning fuel to heat and pump it. Here are some ways to conserve water in your daily life:

At Home

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Opt for shorter showers and avoid taking long baths. If you do take a bath, use less water.
• Install a water-efficient showerhead with a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute.
• When buying a new toilet, choose a low-flow model that uses less water per flush (1.6 gallons or less).
• Check your toilet for leaks by placing food colouring in the tank and seeing if it leaks into the bowl.
• Only run the dishwasher or clothes washer with a full load of dishes or clothes.
• Wash clothes with cold water and hang them to dry whenever possible.
• When washing clothes or dishes, use the minimum amount of detergent and bleach, and choose phosphate-free options.
• If you have a garden, use only the amount of water your plants need. Install a drip irrigation system for valuable plants.
• Cut your grass at least three inches high to make it more drought-tolerant.
• Water your plants in the evening or early morning to minimize evaporation.
• Use drought-tolerant plants and grasses for landscaping and reduce grass-covered areas.
• If possible, use porous pavement like gravel instead of asphalt for driveways and walkways. This allows rainwater to recharge groundwater supplies instead of running off and causing erosion.
• Wash your car less often, or wash it at a car wash that recycles water. If you wash your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water instead of running the hose.

In Your Community

• Learn about the unique qualities of water in your area. Understand where your water comes from, where your wastewater goes, and whether your area is facing a drought.
• Support initiatives to treat wastewater before it is reintroduced into waterways. Wastewater treatment facilities can remove nearly all pollutants in wastewater through chemical, physical, or biological processes.
• Keep litter and trash out of creeks, rivers, and other water bodies. Pick up any litter you see and dispose of it properly in a garbage can.
• If you use fertilizers, sweep or blow any excess back onto your grass or garden to prevent them from washing into storm drains and waterways.
• Properly dispose of chemical cleaners, oils, automotive fluids, and non-biodegradable items to keep them from contaminating water sources.

Reduce runoff pollution

Reducing runoff pollution is a critical aspect of tackling water pollution. Runoff water can carry pollutants directly into water bodies, and it is essential to minimise the volume of polluted runoff and implement measures to absorb and treat it. Here are some ways to reduce runoff pollution:

Implement Watershed-Friendly Landscaping

Landscaping projects can be designed to slow down, catch, and filter rainwater or snowmelt, helping to reduce the impact of runoff pollution. For example, using soil with high organic content can help retain more water, and compost is an excellent source of such soil. Additionally, consider permeable surfaces that allow water to penetrate and be absorbed into the soil rather than running off.

Conservation Practices in Agriculture

Agricultural pollution is a significant source of water contamination. Farmers can employ conservation practices to reduce soil and fertiliser runoff, properly manage animal waste, and protect water and air quality. This includes implementing techniques to reduce nutrient pollution caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus, preventing toxic algal blooms.

Properly Dispose of Chemicals and Waste

Individuals can play a role by properly disposing of chemical cleaners, oils, and non-biodegradable items to prevent them from entering the drainage systems and eventually water bodies. This includes used motor oil, antifreeze, and coolant from vehicles, which should be disposed of responsibly.

Water Conservation

Conserving water is another essential aspect of reducing runoff pollution. This includes simple habits such as turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving and taking shorter showers. Using water-efficient appliances and toilets can also help reduce water usage and, consequently, the amount of wastewater generated.

Public Awareness and Education

Educating the public about the unique qualities of the water in their local area and the sources of pollution can empower individuals to take action. Understanding where their water comes from, how wastewater is treated, and the impact of stormwater runoff can help people make informed choices to reduce their contribution to water pollution.

Frequently asked questions