Community Action For Cleaner Water

Water pollution is a pressing issue that poses a serious health risk to humans and the environment. Harmful substances contaminate water bodies, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic. Communities can play a vital role in reducing water pollution by adopting simple measures. These include proper waste disposal, reducing plastic use, conserving water, using eco-friendly products, maintaining vehicles to prevent leaks, and supporting environmental initiatives. Additionally, reporting illegal waste disposal, volunteering for clean-up efforts, and advocating for water protection are essential steps to ensure clean water for future generations.

Dispose of waste properly, including chemicals, oils, paints, and medications

Proper waste disposal is essential to reducing water pollution. This includes the correct disposal of chemicals, oils, paints, medications, and other hazardous materials. Here are some detailed guidelines for proper waste disposal to protect our water sources:

Chemicals

Household chemicals, such as cleaning agents, pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides, should never be poured down the sink, toilet, or storm drains. These chemicals can contaminate water sources and harm the environment. Check with your local waste agency or collection programs to properly dispose of these hazardous materials. Some communities have designated days for hazardous waste collection, ensuring their safe management and disposal.

Oils

Motor oil and other automotive fluids should also be taken to designated collection points, such as auto parts stores, instead of being poured down storm drains. Many local garages accept used motor oil for recycling. Additionally, maintain your vehicle to prevent oil leaks, as oil dripping from cars is a significant contributor to water pollution.

Paints

Paints are considered household hazardous waste (HHW) and require special care when disposing of them. Keep paints in their original containers with the labels intact. Contact your local hazardous waste official or fire department for instructions on handling corroding paint containers. Do not pour paints or their residual chemicals down the drain or into storm sewers.

Medications

It is crucial to never flush pills, liquid, or powder medications down the toilet. Properly dispose of medications by throwing them in the trash to prevent them from entering local waterways. Check with your local waste management guidelines for specific instructions on medical waste disposal.

Other Hazardous Waste

Other hazardous waste includes leftover household products like batteries, cleaners, and pesticides. Always follow the instructions on product labels for use, storage, and disposal to prevent accidents and reduce risks. Do not mix HHW with other products, as they may react dangerously. Remember that even empty containers of HHW can pose hazards due to residual chemicals.

By following these guidelines and properly disposing of waste, we can all play a part in reducing water pollution and protecting our precious water sources.

Avoid single-use plastics and opt for reusable products

Single-use plastics are a major contributor to water pollution, and the community can play a significant role in reducing this issue by opting for reusable products. Here are some ways in which the community can avoid single-use plastics and make a positive impact on the environment:

Opt for Reusable Shopping Bags

Instead of using plastic bags, the community can switch to reusable shopping bags made from materials such as cotton or non-woven polypropylene. These bags are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective, as many businesses offer incentives for customers who bring their own bags. Reusable bags help reduce plastic waste and the amount of plastic that ends up in our oceans and other water bodies.

Bring Your Own Containers and Cups

Encourage community members to bring their own containers and cups when purchasing items such as groceries or takeaway food and drinks. This simple act can significantly reduce the number of single-use plastic containers and cups that are discarded after just one use. Many businesses are supportive of this practice and may offer discounts or incentives to customers who bring their own containers.

Reusable Water Bottles

Promote the use of reusable water bottles within the community. Plastic water bottles are a significant source of plastic pollution, and by switching to reusable bottles, individuals can reduce their plastic waste footprint. Carrying a reusable bottle also encourages people to refill their bottles with tap water, reducing the demand for bottled water and the associated plastic waste.

Reusable Straws and Cutlery

Single-use plastic straws, cutlery, and stirrers are often small and lightweight, making them difficult to recycle and contributing to water pollution. The community can opt for reusable alternatives made from materials such as metal or glass. These reusable options can be easily cleaned and carried, making them a convenient and environmentally friendly choice.

Support Sustainable Businesses

The community can support businesses that prioritize sustainability and offer reusable or compostable packaging. By choosing to spend money at these businesses, the community encourages others to adopt more sustainable practices. Additionally, individuals can advocate for policies that support and incentivize businesses to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics.

Educate and Raise Awareness

It is important to educate community members about the impact of single-use plastics on water pollution and the environment as a whole. Raising awareness can be done through educational programs, signage, and informational materials. By understanding the consequences of their choices, community members are more likely to make sustainable decisions and adopt reusable alternatives.

Reduce water usage and be mindful of runoff

Reducing water usage and being mindful of runoff are crucial steps in mitigating water pollution. Here are some ways in which the community can actively contribute to these efforts:

Reduce Water Usage

• Install water-efficient toilets: Opt for water-efficient models or modify existing toilets by placing a brick or a half-gallon container in the tank to reduce water usage per flush.
• Run appliances only when necessary: Wait until you have a full load before running the dishwasher or clothes washer to conserve both water and electricity.
• Use water-saving techniques: Implement strategies such as using the minimum amount of detergent when washing clothes or dishes and opting for phosphate-free soaps and detergents.

Be Mindful of Runoff

• Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the sink: Keep a "fat jar" under the sink to collect cooking fats and oils, then discard them in the solid waste bin when the jar is full.
• Properly dispose of chemicals and medications: Do not flush pills, liquids, or powder medications down the toilet. Instead, dispose of them in the trash to prevent them from entering local waterways.
• Manage stormwater runoff: Implement strategies such as adding plants, especially in areas where runoff collects, as their roots help absorb and filter out pollutants.
• Protect natural absorbers: Trees act as natural absorbers of stormwater, so it is important to preserve and protect them. Their canopies also slow rainfall and spread it over a larger area.
• Choose permeable materials: When designing paths, patios, or driveways, opt for permeable materials such as gravel, mulch, or crushed shells to allow water to soak into the ground.
• Implement rainwater harvesting: Install rainwater harvesting systems, such as rain barrels or cisterns, to catch stormwater runoff from roofs. This captured water can then be used for irrigation or other non-potable purposes.

Avoid using pesticides and fertilisers

Pesticides and fertilisers are essential for modern agriculture, as they provide crops with the necessary nutrients and protect them from disease and pests. However, they are also known to cause adverse effects on human health and the environment.

• Use alternative pest control methods: Instead of relying solely on chemical pesticides, consider integrating other pest control methods such as biological control, cultural control, and physical control. Biological control involves using natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to control pest populations. Cultural control focuses on modifying the environment to make it less favourable for pests, such as removing their food or water sources. Physical control methods include traps, barriers, or mechanical removal of pests.
• Practice integrated pest management (IPM): IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that combines multiple pest management tactics, such as biological, cultural, and chemical control methods, to manage pest damage with the least possible harm to people and the environment. By adopting IPM practices, you can reduce your reliance on chemical pesticides.
• Encourage natural predators: Pests often have natural predators, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which can help control their populations. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that may harm these beneficial insects.
• Practice crop rotation: Rotating crops can help disrupt the life cycle of pests and reduce their populations. It also improves soil health and reduces the risk of pest outbreaks.
• Utilise resistant plant varieties: Some plant varieties are naturally resistant or tolerant to certain pests and diseases. By choosing these varieties, you can reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
• Employ proper planting techniques: Proper planting techniques, such as selecting the right planting time, spacing plants appropriately, and using healthy seeds or transplants, can help reduce pest problems.
• Promote biodiversity: A diverse ecosystem with a variety of plant species can help regulate pest populations naturally. Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, can also contribute to pest control by promoting the growth of beneficial insects.
• Apply fertilisers efficiently: If fertiliser use is necessary, ensure that you apply the right type and amount at the right time. Over-application of fertilisers can lead to runoff and water pollution. Consider using slow-release fertilisers or organic fertilisers, which release nutrients more slowly and are less likely to leach into water bodies.
• Practice conservation tillage: Conventional tillage practices, such as ploughing, can increase soil erosion and nutrient runoff. Consider adopting conservation tillage practices, such as no-till or reduced tillage, which can help reduce soil erosion and minimise the risk of fertilisers entering water bodies.
• Implement buffer zones: Establish buffer zones, such as strips of vegetation or forested areas, around water bodies or sensitive habitats to act as filters and prevent fertilisers and pesticides from reaching these areas.
• Practice proper waste disposal: Ensure that any unused or expired pesticides are disposed of properly through hazardous waste collection programs. Do not pour them down the drain or into water bodies, as this can contaminate water sources.
• Educate and raise awareness: Educate farmers, agricultural workers, and the community about the risks associated with pesticide and fertiliser use. Raise awareness about the importance of integrated pest management, conservation practices, and alternative pest control methods.

Maintain your car to prevent leaks and dispose of motor oil properly

Motor oil is a major contributor to water pollution, so it's important to maintain your car to prevent leaks and dispose of motor oil properly. Here are some tips to help reduce water pollution in your community:

Maintain Your Car to Prevent Leaks

• Check for leaks regularly and fix them promptly.
• Keep your vehicle tuned up and well-maintained.
• Use ground cloths or drip pans under your vehicle if you have leaks or are doing engine work.
• Clean up spills immediately using absorbents such as kitty litter or soil. Sweep up the solid material and dispose of it in the trash.
• Never dispose of oil or other engine fluids down a storm drain, on the ground, or into a ditch.

Dispose of Motor Oil Properly

• Recycle your used motor oil. Used motor oil can be re-refined and reused indefinitely, reducing the need for crude oil and lowering your carbon footprint.
• Collect the oil in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Do not mix it with other fluids or store it in a container that has held other liquids.
• Seal the container tightly and store it in a cool, dry place until you can take it to a recycling facility or collection centre.
• Most retailers that sell motor oil, auto parts stores, and some service stations will accept your used motor oil for recycling.

Frequently asked questions