Water Pollution: Current Initiatives And Their Impact

Water pollution is a pressing issue that has various sources, including sewage discharge, agriculture, and urban surface runoff. While legislation and initiatives have been implemented to address this issue, more needs to be done. Governments and organisations worldwide are working to reduce water pollution by introducing new laws and regulations, investing in infrastructure upgrades, and promoting sustainable practices. For instance, the UK government has set out a plan to reduce water pollution by imposing a new legal duty on water companies to upgrade wastewater treatment works by 2030. Additionally, organisations like Earthwatch Europe are advocating for more rigorous environmental inspections of water treatment operations and calling for a shift to make pollution unprofitable for water companies. The public interest in improving water quality is higher than ever, and collaborative efforts between governments, industries, and local communities are crucial to achieving this goal.

What is being done to stop water pollution?

Wastewater treatments

Wastewater treatment is a critical aspect of preventing water pollution, as it involves treating used water before it is released into natural water bodies. This process helps remove harmful substances and ensures that water sources remain clean and safe for human and ecological use.

Wastewater can come from various sources, including homes, businesses, agriculture, and industry. It includes used water from sinks, showers, toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers, as well as rainwater and runoff that collects pollutants from streets and impermeable surfaces. Industrial wastewater can be particularly challenging to treat due to the presence of heavy metals and toxic chemicals.

Most homes and businesses send their wastewater to treatment plants, which employ multiple levels of treatment to remove pollutants. The primary level of treatment uses screens and settling tanks to remove solids, which make up a significant portion of the pollutants. This step removes garbage, sticks, and other large materials, as well as allowing sludge and scum to settle, with the remaining water moving on to the secondary treatment level.

Secondary treatment uses bacteria and oxygen to digest the remaining pollutants. This process is faster due to the presence of oxygen, and it is followed by another round of settling, leaving the water 90 to 95 percent free of pollutants. Some plants then use a sand filter to capture additional pollutants before disinfecting the water with chlorine, ozone, or ultraviolet light.

While treatment plants play a crucial role in reducing water pollution, individuals can also take action to minimize their impact. This includes proper waste disposal, reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and being mindful of what goes down the drain or is flushed down the toilet. By combining large-scale treatment processes with individual efforts, we can make significant progress in preventing water pollution and protecting our precious water sources.

Stormwater management

Pervious Surfaces

Implementing the use of pervious surfaces is a crucial strategy in stormwater management. These porous surfaces allow rainwater and snowmelt to soak into the soil rather than flowing into storm sewers. Examples of pervious surfaces include porous pavements, permeable pavers, and gravel beds, which help to reduce the volume of stormwater runoff.

Detention and Pollution Removal

Detaining stormwater and removing pollutants is a primary goal of stormwater management. This involves implementing measures such as detention ponds, wetlands, and filtration systems to capture and treat stormwater before it is released into natural water bodies. These systems help remove debris, chemicals, bacteria, and other pollutants, ensuring cleaner water.

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure plays a vital role in stormwater management by protecting, restoring, or mimicking the natural water cycle. This includes the use of natural features such as rain gardens, bioswamps, and constructed wetlands, which can absorb, filter, and slowly release stormwater. Green roofs and vegetated swales also fall under this category, as they help to detain and treat stormwater while providing ecological benefits.

Gray Infrastructure

Gray infrastructure refers to traditional engineered structures designed to manage stormwater. This includes culverts, gutters, storm sewers, and conventional piped drainage systems. While these systems efficiently convey stormwater away from developed areas, they can also contribute to flooding and water pollution if not properly maintained.

Public Education and Participation

Educating communities about stormwater management and pollution prevention is essential. Encouraging best management practices, such as proper waste disposal, reducing chemical usage, and reporting spills, empowers individuals to play an active role in protecting water quality. Public participation in stream restoration projects and local volunteer initiatives can also contribute to effective stormwater management.

Compliance and Regulations

Developing and implementing stormwater management plans in alignment with federal, state, and local regulations is crucial. This includes obtaining the necessary permits and ensuring compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements. Compliance ensures that stormwater is properly managed and treated before being released into natural water bodies.

Water conservation

Water pollution is a widespread issue that is jeopardizing our health and finite drinking water sources. It is caused by a range of factors, including sewage, industrial and agricultural activities, stormwater runoff, and consumer and land-based oil pollution. To stop water pollution, it is important to address the issue at its source through wastewater treatments, stormwater management, and water conservation.

Wastewater treatments: Wastewater treatment facilities use biological, physical, and chemical processes to remove pollutants from water before it is discharged back into waterways. These facilities help reduce the amount of sewage, heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and other pollutants that can contaminate water sources. Regular inspection and maintenance of household septic systems are also crucial to prevent the leakage of bacteria, viruses, and chemicals into local water sources.

Stormwater management: Stormwater runoff occurs when rainfall washes pollutants such as road salts, oil, grease, chemicals, and debris into our waterways. To prevent this, it is important to properly dispose of litter, fertilizers, and other trash to keep them out of creeks, yards, and streets. Fertilizers should be swept back onto the grass, and compost or mulch should be used for grass or yard waste.

Reducing plastic waste: Plastic waste is a significant contributor to water pollution, with more than 8 million tonnes of plastic entering our oceans each year. To reduce plastic waste, individuals can use reusable alternatives, such as utensils, grocery bags, and environmentally-friendly care products. Shopping locally and buying fruits and vegetables not wrapped in plastic can also help reduce plastic waste.

Water efficiency: There are many ways to improve water efficiency and reduce water consumption in daily life. For example, running washing machines and dishwashers only when they are fully loaded, using a bucket of soapy water instead of a running hose to wash cars, and installing water-efficient toilets or placing a brick in the toilet tank to reduce water use per flush. Additionally, using drought-tolerant plants for landscaping, reducing grass-covered areas, and watering during cooler times of the day can help minimize water usage and evaporation.

Community involvement: Communities, citizen groups, and individuals can actively protect their drinking water sources by working together to assess potential sources of contamination, prioritize impact reduction efforts, and implement management measures. This includes posting signs to notify people that pollution in the area can affect drinking water quality and staying informed through annual drinking water quality reports, also known as Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs).

Reduce plastic waste

Plastic waste is a significant contributor to water pollution, with millions of tons of plastic debris floating in the water, posing a serious danger to marine life. It is estimated that more than half of the world's sea turtles and nearly every seabird on Earth have ingested plastic at some point in their lives.

To reduce plastic waste and its impact on water pollution, several measures can be taken:

Reduce Plastic Use

The first step is to reduce plastic consumption. Refuse single-use plastics like plastic bags, straws, water bottles, and takeout containers. Opt for reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, stainless steel or glass water bottles, and reusable food storage containers. When shopping, bring your own bags and try to buy items with minimal packaging.

Reuse and Repurpose

Instead of discarding plastic items, consider reusing or repurposing them. For example, donate or sell unwanted plastic items that are still in good condition. Reuse plastic bags, containers, or water bottles whenever possible.

Recycling

While recycling alone cannot solve the plastic crisis, it is still important to recycle plastic waste properly. Check with your local recycling center or use resources like Earth911's recycling directory to find out which types of plastic they accept. Recycling helps keep plastics out of the ocean and reduces the demand for new plastic production.

Avoid Microplastics

Microplastics, such as microbeads found in some cosmetic products, are a growing source of ocean plastic pollution. Avoid products containing microplastics by checking ingredient lists for terms like "polyethylene" and "polypropylene."

Support Beach Cleanups

Participate in or organize cleanups of local beaches and waterways. This is a direct way to remove plastic waste from the ocean and prevent it from causing further harm to marine life and ecosystems.

Advocate for Change

Individual actions are important, but systemic change is also necessary. Support legislation and policies that reduce plastic production, improve waste management, and hold plastic producers accountable for the waste they generate. Advocate for stronger environmental regulations and enforcement to protect our waters from plastic pollution.

Properly dispose of toxic chemicals

Properly disposing of toxic chemicals is a crucial step in preventing water pollution. Toxic chemicals are hazardous substances that pose a threat to both human health and the environment. These include toxins, corrosive liquids, organic solvents, and other harmful substances. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines for properly disposing of toxic chemicals:

Identify the Chemicals

The first step is to identify the toxic chemicals that need to be disposed of. This involves reviewing the properties of the chemicals and understanding the potential hazards they pose. Schools and laboratories should refer to the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or the Resource, Conservation, and Recovery Act (RCRA) for this information.

Separate Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste

Once the chemicals are identified, they need to be separated into hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Hazardous waste includes substances that are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. Examples of ignitable waste include acetone, ethanol, and methanol, while strong acids and bases are considered corrosive. Reactive waste, such as certain compounds that can explode in the presence of air or water, also requires special handling.

Follow Local Regulations

It is essential to be aware of and comply with federal, state, and local regulations for chemical waste disposal. These regulations may vary depending on your location, so it is important to stay informed to ensure proper disposal methods. Contact local authorities or refer to official websites for specific guidelines.

Proper Disposal Methods

There are several methods for disposing of toxic chemicals, depending on their classification. Some chemicals can be disposed of in the trash, but they must be sealed tightly and maintenance staff should be notified. Non-hazardous chemicals may be suitable for drain disposal, but only in small amounts as indicated on the SDS or by the chemical provider. For hazardous waste, special disposal sites or hazmat pickup services may be required. Some communities also have programs for recycling or properly disposing of specific items like paint, electronics, and household hazardous waste.

Reduce and Substitute

To minimize the impact on the environment, it is essential to reduce the generation of toxic chemical waste. This can be achieved by incorporating alternatives to traditional laboratory activities, using microscale procedures, and implementing strategies that reduce waste production. Additionally, schools and laboratories can prioritize ecologically sensitive alternatives and collaborate with green groups to further reduce their environmental footprint.

Training and Education

Proper training and education are vital to ensuring safe and responsible handling and disposal of toxic chemicals. Teachers, students, and laboratory staff should be well-versed in laboratory safety protocols, including waste disposal procedures. This fosters a culture of environmental concern and empowers individuals to make informed decisions when dealing with toxic chemicals.

Frequently asked questions