Ways To Reduce Water Pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with water covering around 71% of the Earth's surface, yet billions of people across the world don't have access to clean drinking water. Water pollution has detrimental effects on both human health and the environment, so it is important to minimize it. While individual actions might seem insignificant, they can create a ripple effect of monumental impact. This can be achieved through simple measures such as reducing plastic use, minimizing water waste, using fewer chemicals, and supporting charities devoted to watershed protection.

Ways to Minimize Water Pollution

Treat wastewater before it's reintroduced into waterways

Wastewater treatment is a critical aspect of water pollution control. Wastewater is water that has been used and must be treated to prevent further pollution of water sources before it is released back into natural bodies of water. The treatment process involves removing impurities from wastewater, or sewage, before it reaches aquifers or natural water bodies such as rivers, lakes, estuaries, and oceans.

Wastewater comes from various sources, including rainwater and runoff, as well as human activities such as flushing toilets, rinsing drains, and agricultural and industrial processes. The construction of centralised sewage treatment plants began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in the United Kingdom and the United States, to address the issue of sewage disposal. These plants employ a combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes to remove pollutants from wastewater.

The primary level of treatment uses screens and settling tanks to remove solids, garbage, and large materials from wastewater. This step is crucial as solids make up a significant portion of the pollutants. The water is then put into settling tanks where it sits for several hours, allowing sludge to settle and scum to form on top. The scum and sludge are removed, and the partially treated wastewater moves on to the secondary treatment level.

Secondary treatment of wastewater uses bacteria and oxygen to digest the remaining pollutants. The forceful mixing of wastewater with bacteria and oxygen helps speed up the digestion process. The water is then taken to settling tanks again, leaving it 90 to 95 percent free of pollutants. Some treatment plants also use sand filters to remove additional pollutants.

While centralised wastewater treatment has been crucial in addressing water pollution, it is important to note that some cities still dump raw sewage into oceans and rivers due to the high costs associated with effective treatment. However, this can have detrimental effects on the environment, and alternative solutions, such as those being explored in Halifax and St. John's, which are constructing wastewater treatment facilities, should be prioritised to minimise water pollution.

Install water-efficient toilets

Installing water-efficient toilets is a great way to reduce water pollution and conserve water. Toilets are the largest source of water consumption in a home, surpassing showers, dishwashers, and washing machines. Upgrading to a water-efficient model can, therefore, significantly reduce water consumption and minimize water pollution.

Water-efficient toilets use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush, compared to the 3.5 to 7 gallons used by older toilets. This not only helps conserve water but also reduces the energy required for water treatment and distribution. Modern water-efficient toilets are designed to effectively handle waste with less water, preventing clogs and ensuring a clean flush.

When installing a water-efficient toilet, it is important to look for the WaterSense label. This label signifies that the toilet meets strict criteria for water efficiency and performance set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). WaterSense-labeled toilets are independently certified to meet EPA's criteria and offer a high-performance, water-efficient option. These toilets are available in a wide range of price points and styles, and utilities in many areas offer rebates and vouchers to lower the cost of WaterSense-labeled toilets.

To install a water-efficient toilet, you can follow these steps:

• Turn off the water supply and flush the old toilet to empty the tank and bowl.
• Reattach the water supply line and turn on the water.
• Check for any leaks around the base and the supply line connection.
• Flush the toilet several times to ensure it is working correctly and efficiently.
• Adjust the fill valve or flapper if the flush isn't performing as expected.

By installing a water-efficient toilet, you can save money on your water bill and reduce your environmental impact. It is a valuable investment that offers both financial and ecological benefits.

Avoid using your toilet as a wastebasket

Water pollution is a pressing issue that can be mitigated by taking some simple steps at home. One of the most important things to remember is to avoid using your toilet as a wastebasket. This means that only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Everything else can cause blockages and damage the wastewater treatment process.

• Baby wipes and sani-wipes, even if they are labelled as "flushable". These wipes do not disintegrate in water as quickly as toilet tissue and can lodge in sewer pipes, causing clogs.
• Dental floss, whether waxed or unwaxed, can become a net that catches debris and clogs pipes. It can also wrap around moving parts in septic systems and burn out motors.
• Kitty litter, despite what some manufacturers claim, is not recommended for flushing. It can absorb water and expand, causing issues for your plumbing.
• Food can create stubborn clogs as it decomposes, and grease can solidify and create powerful clogs that may require a professional to remove.
• Medication and drugs should not be flushed as the active ingredients will not be destroyed by toilet water and will need to be extracted for safe water recycling.
• Hair, like dental floss, can form a net in your pipes and create blockages.
• Gum is sticky and insoluble, leading to an increased risk of clogging your pipes.
• Condoms are not designed to break down in water and can cause clogs in toilets and septic tanks.
• Menstrual products, such as tampons and pads, are meant to absorb water and will not break down, potentially expanding and causing plumbing issues.
• Cotton balls, cotton pads, and Q-tips do not break down like toilet paper and can clump together, causing problems in your pipes.
• Fish and other small animals will not disintegrate and can create clogs.
• Cleaning products, personal care products, and hazardous materials should not be flushed as they can contain chemicals that can pollute water sources.

Remember, it is important to properly dispose of these items in a wastebasket or through a local hazardous waste disposal site, if necessary. By following these guidelines, you can help minimize water pollution and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Sweep your driveway instead of hosing it

Water pollution is a pressing issue that requires collective action to address. One simple yet impactful way to reduce water pollution is to sweep your driveway instead of hosing it. Here are some reasons why this small change can make a big difference:

Firstly, hosing down your driveway can contribute to water waste and inefficient water usage. When you use a hose, a significant amount of water is lost to runoff, especially if the hose is left running. This water often flows into storm drains, carrying with it any dirt, debris, or pollutants from your driveway. By sweeping instead, you avoid this issue and conserve water, ensuring that this precious resource is used more efficiently and sustainably.

Secondly, sweeping your driveway helps to prevent the spread of pollutants. When you hose down your driveway, you risk washing various contaminants into nearby water bodies or storm drains. These can include oil stains, chemicals, or other harmful substances that have accumulated on the surface. By sweeping, you can manually collect and properly dispose of these pollutants, ensuring they don't end up in our water systems. This simple act helps protect local waterways, creeks, and rivers from contamination, preserving aquatic ecosystems and the health of the surrounding environment.

Additionally, sweeping your driveway can contribute to a healthier local ecosystem. When you hose down your driveway, you may unintentionally wash away beneficial insects and microorganisms that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Sweeping allows you to gently remove debris while minimizing harm to these essential creatures, supporting the overall health and resilience of your local ecosystem.

The practice of sweeping instead of hosing also encourages a more mindful and connected relationship with your surroundings. It provides an opportunity to slow down and engage with your environment in a more tactile and sensory way. You become more attuned to the natural world around you, noticing the textures, colours, and life forms that coexist in your space. This mindful approach to maintenance can foster a sense of stewardship for the environment and inspire further actions that support ecological well-being.

Finally, by setting an example in your community, you can inspire others to follow suit. When your neighbours see you sweeping your driveway, it prompts them to consider their own water usage and the potential benefits of adopting more sustainable practices. This collective effort can lead to significant reductions in water pollution and encourage a culture of environmental responsibility. Together, these individual actions add up to create a positive and lasting impact on the health of our planet.

Wash your car less often

Washing your car less often is an effective way to minimise water pollution. Car washing, especially when done at home, can cause dirty water to flow into storm drains, contaminating local rivers and streams. This is because the wash water contains soap, as well as dirt, grime, grease, and oil from the car. Soaps often contain harmful chemicals, including phosphates, which can cause excess algae to grow in the water, degrading its quality and harming fish.

To reduce the impact of car washing on the environment, it is recommended to opt for commercial car washes, where water is recycled and sent to wastewater treatment facilities. Commercial car washes use less water than washing a car at home with a hose, and many also filter and reuse their wash water. If you choose to wash your car at home, there are several ways to minimise the impact on the environment. One way is to wash your car on a lawn or gravel surface, allowing the water to percolate or soak into the ground, where the soil can act as a natural filter. It is important to ensure that the dirty water is not dumped down the driveway, but rather dumped into a sink or allowed to filter through the ground.

When washing your car at home, it is essential to use a bucket of soapy water instead of running the hose, as this conserves water and reduces runoff. Using a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk is also a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, it is recommended to use phosphate-free, biodegradable cleaning products in minimal amounts. Solvent-based products and degreasers should be avoided, as they can contain harmful chemicals.

By following these guidelines, individuals can reduce the impact of car washing on water pollution and help protect local waterways and the organisms that depend on them. Washing your car less often is a simple way to contribute to this effort and ensure that our water resources remain clean and healthy.

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