Water Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Future

Water pollution is a pressing issue that jeopardizes human health and the environment. With finite sources of drinkable water, it is essential to address water pollution and find solutions to prevent further contamination. Water pollution occurs when harmful substances, such as chemicals, waste, and microorganisms, contaminate bodies of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic. To combat this issue, individuals can take simple steps to reduce their contribution to water pollution, such as reducing plastic consumption, properly disposing of chemicals, and maintaining their vehicles to prevent leaks. Additionally, water-efficient toilets and septic tanks can help treat sewage and reduce water pollution. Agriculture, the leading cause of water pollution, can adopt more sustainable practices by reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, which wash into water sources during rainfall. Understanding the unique water situation in your area can also help pinpoint where actions will have the most impact. Addressing water pollution requires a collective effort to protect this vital resource.

Solutions to Avoid Water Pollution

Reduce plastic consumption and reuse or recycle plastic

Water pollution is a widespread problem that is endangering our health and the environment. It occurs when harmful substances, often chemicals or microorganisms, contaminate bodies of water, rendering the water toxic. One of the major contributors to water pollution is plastic waste, which flows into nature at an alarming rate, polluting the water, air, and soil that both people and nature need to survive.

To reduce plastic consumption, it is important to recognize that plastic has no place in nature and that there are alternatives to single-use plastic. Opt for reusable items instead of disposable ones, such as carrying a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic bottles. Avoid products that contain plastic microbeads, such as facial scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes, as these can slip through water treatment plants and be ingested by marine animals. Choose products with natural exfoliants, like oatmeal or salt, instead.

When it comes to purchasing items, consider buying second-hand from thrift stores, garage sales, or online. For items that you rarely need, borrowing or renting can be a great alternative to buying new. This reduces the demand for new plastic products and gives a second life to existing ones. Additionally, be cautious when purchasing cosmetics, as a Dutch nonprofit found that only 13% of the most popular brands' products were free of microplastics.

While recycling alone cannot solve the plastics crisis, it is still an important part of reducing our plastic footprint. Check the number on the bottom of your plastic containers to see if they can be recycled by your local curbside recycling company. Most beverage and liquid cleaner bottles are accepted. However, it is important to note that the recycling rate for plastics in the United States is low, with only about 6-9% of plastic being recycled, while 70% ends up in landfills.

Properly dispose of chemical cleaners, oils, and non-biodegradable items

The proper disposal of chemical cleaners, oils, and non-biodegradable items is essential to prevent water pollution. Here are some detailed guidelines for each category:

Chemical Cleaners

The disposal method for chemical cleaners depends on their specific type and composition. Some common guidelines include:

• Always read the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions for disposal.
• Water-soluble cleaning products, such as laundry and dishwashing detergents, multi-surface cleaners, and bleaches, can generally be flushed down the drain with running water.
• Solid cleaning products, such as bar soaps and scouring pads, can usually be disposed of in the trash.
• For products requiring special handling, such as solvent-based paints, used motor oil, and certain pesticides, contact your local hazardous waste collection program.
• Never mix cleaning products during disposal, just as you should not mix them during use.
• For products without specific disposal instructions, consider how you use the product. If it is typically flushed down the drain during use, it can often be disposed of by pouring it down the drain slowly with running water.

Oils

The proper disposal of oils, especially cooking oils, is crucial for preventing water pollution and plumbing issues. Here are some recommended methods:

• Let the oil cool or freeze it to solidify. Then, dispose of it in a sealed, non-plastic container along with your food waste or in the trash.
• Contact your local restaurant or companies that collect household hazardous waste (HHW) to properly dispose of large quantities of oil.
• Some jurisdictions may allow oil solidifying products or stearic acid crystals to be added to the oil before disposal.
• Do not pour oil down the drain, as it can cause blockages and harm aquatic life when it reaches waterways.

Non-Biodegradable Items

Non-biodegradable items, by definition, do not break down naturally over time. Therefore, proper disposal of these items is essential to reduce their environmental impact. Here are some suggestions:

• Check the labels of products to understand their proper disposal methods.
• Recycle non-biodegradable items whenever possible. Many communities now collect plastic bottles and other recyclable materials.
• For items that cannot be recycled, dispose of them responsibly through proper waste management channels.

Avoid using pesticides and fertilisers

Water pollution is a widespread issue that poses serious health risks to humans and the environment. It occurs when harmful substances, often chemicals or microorganisms, contaminate bodies of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic. One major source of water pollution is the agricultural sector, which contributes to the contamination of rivers, streams, wetlands, lakes, estuaries, and groundwater.

To reduce water pollution, it is important to avoid the use of pesticides and fertilisers, which can have toxic effects on both human health and the environment. Here are some ways to minimise the use of these chemicals:

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Adopt an IPM approach to accurately identify, treat, and prevent pest problems. This involves correctly diagnosing the issue to ensure that pesticide and fertiliser use is necessary. IPM provides guidelines on how to reduce pesticide and fertiliser usage, helping to identify the specific type of pest, the appropriate treatment method, and safe application practices.
• Proper Application: If the use of pesticides and fertilisers is deemed necessary, ensure they are applied correctly. Check the weather forecast and only apply these chemicals during suitable weather conditions, typically when it is calm with wind speeds below 10 mph, and no rain or snow is expected. Follow the product label instructions for safe use, including the recommended amount, timing, and method of application.
• Alternative Methods: Explore alternative methods to reduce pest issues and promote plant health. For example, consider implementing conservation tillage practices to reduce the frequency and intensity of field tilling, which can improve soil health, reduce erosion, and decrease the chance of nutrients reaching waterways through runoff.
• Field Buffers: Plant trees, shrubs, and grasses along the edges of fields, especially those bordering water bodies. These buffers can help prevent nutrient loss by absorbing or filtering out excess nutrients before they reach nearby water sources.
• Nutrient Management: Optimise nutrient management practices by applying nutrients (fertiliser and manure) in the correct amounts, at the appropriate time of year, using suitable methods, and with precise placement. This ensures that excess nutrients do not leach into nearby water bodies or the groundwater.
• Watershed Efforts: Collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders and organisations across an entire watershed to collectively reduce nutrient pollution in water and air. Farmers can play a leadership role by engaging with state governments, conservation groups, educational institutions, and community groups to implement effective practices.

By following these guidelines and reducing the use of pesticides and fertilisers, we can minimise their impact on water sources and contribute to the overall reduction of water pollution.

Install water-efficient toilets

Water pollution is a severe issue that is endangering our health and finite drinking water sources. It is caused by the dissolution of toxic substances, such as chemicals and microorganisms, into bodies of water, rendering them toxic to humans and the environment.

One effective way to reduce water pollution and conserve water is by installing water-efficient toilets. Toilets are the largest source of water consumption in homes, surpassing showers, dishwashers, and washing machines. Water-efficient toilets use less water per flush compared to traditional models, reducing water consumption and lowering water bills.

When installing a water-efficient toilet, it is important to consider the following:

• Certification: Look for WaterSense-certified toilets, which meet the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) strict water efficiency and performance criteria. These toilets are independently certified and offer superior performance while using 20% less water than the federal standard of 1.6 gallons per flush.
• Type: There are several types of water-efficient toilets available, including low-flow toilets, dual-flush toilets, and pressure-assisted toilets. Low-flow toilets use about 1.6 gallons per flush, while dual-flush toilets offer two options: a lower volume flush for liquid waste and a higher volume flush for solid waste. Pressure-assisted toilets use compressed air to enhance flushing power while minimizing water usage.
• Performance: Consider toilets with a high MaP (Maximum Performance) rating, indicating effective flushing performance.
• Bowl Shape: Choose between elongated bowls, which offer more comfort but require more space, and round bowls, which are more compact and ideal for smaller bathrooms.
• Height: Comfort height toilets are slightly taller than standard models and are designed for older adults and individuals with mobility issues.

By installing a water-efficient toilet, you can contribute to environmental sustainability and reduce your water bills. It is a simple upgrade that can make a significant impact on water conservation and pollution reduction.

Use septic tanks to treat sewage

Water pollution is a serious issue, with harmful chemicals and microorganisms contaminating our precious water sources and putting our health at risk. One way to tackle this problem is to use septic tanks for sewage treatment. Septic systems provide an effective means of treating household wastewater, but it is important to ensure proper installation, maintenance, and usage to prevent further water pollution.

When properly maintained, septic systems can last for decades, offering a cost-effective solution for sewage treatment. However, failing septic systems can have detrimental effects on the environment, releasing untreated wastewater containing harmful pathogens, nutrients, and chemicals. This can contaminate groundwater, wells, creeks, rivers, and coastal areas, leading to potential health hazards for humans and ecosystems alike.

To prevent such issues, it is crucial to follow proper maintenance procedures. This includes regular pumping by certified professionals, which should typically be done every 3-5 years, depending on factors such as household size and wastewater production. Additionally, septic tank owners should be mindful of what goes into the system, avoiding harsh cleaning products, prescription drugs, and excessive garbage disposal use, as these can disrupt the natural microbial processes in the tank.

When installing a septic system, it is essential to consult a licensed contractor to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and to choose a suitable location. The soil type and permeability are critical factors, as improper drainage can lead to wastewater ponding or waterlogging. Advanced treatment may be necessary in certain cases to address issues like nitrogen contamination and disinfection, especially for systems close to surface waters.

By using septic tanks responsibly and maintaining them properly, we can effectively treat sewage and reduce water pollution. This includes being mindful of the products we use, following maintenance guidelines, and ensuring correct installation. These measures will help protect our water sources and safeguard the health of our communities and the environment.

Frequently asked questions