Helena Joyce
Water pollution is a pressing issue that jeopardizes human health and the environment. Pollutants can contaminate bodies of water, such as streams, rivers, and oceans, rendering them toxic and unsafe for consumption. Watersheds, the land areas draining into these water bodies, play a crucial role in water quality. When we pollute our watersheds, we risk degrading the water quality and harming the surrounding ecosystems and communities that rely on clean water. This paragraph introduces the topic of watershed pollution and its impact, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing this issue to protect our valuable water resources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leading causes of pollution in waterways | Sediments, bacteria (such as E. coli), excess nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) |
| Ways pollutants reach our waters | Erosion, runoff of animal waste, overflowing of combined sewers |
| How to protect watersheds | Conserve water, don't pour toxic household chemicals down the drain, use hardy plants that require little or no watering, recycle yard waste, use surfaces that allow rain to soak in, don't pour used oil or antifreeze into the storm drain, drive less |
| How watersheds are influenced | Naturally varying lake levels, water movement to and from groundwater, amount of stream flow, forest fires, stormwater runoff patterns, location and amount of pollution sources |
| How pollution affects watersheds | Contaminants infiltrate groundwater and concentrate in streams and rivers, ultimately being carried down the watershed and into the ocean |
| How watersheds affect water quality | A watershed filters pollution for free, improving water quality and providing benefits to the communities and wildlife that live there |
| How people affect watersheds | People can affect the environment's health when they pollute a watershed, often unintentionally, by discharging pollutants directly into a waterbody or allowing them to wash off the land and into waterbodies |
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What You'll Learn
Nonpoint source pollution
Controlling nonpoint source pollution requires improving the management of urban and suburban areas, agricultural operations, forestry operations, and marinas. The EPA offers several resources to help control nonpoint source pollution, such as the "10 Things That You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Runoff Pollution" and the "Nonpoint Source Management Program."
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Point source pollution
One example of point source pollution is when factories and sewage treatment plants mix their waste with urban runoff in a combined sewer system. This untreated, polluted water then flows directly into the nearest water body, causing severe environmental and health issues. Combined sewer overflow (CSO) is a significant concern, especially in older cities, as it can result in the discharge of raw sewage and pollutants without proper treatment.
Another instance of point source pollution is the release of nitrogen into the air from power plants and industries. Although these emissions are considered nonpoint sources, they contribute to water pollution when they reach water bodies through precipitation. The combustion processes of power plants and industries are significant contributors to atmospheric nitrogen pollution, which eventually affects watersheds.
To address point source pollution, the Clean Water Act established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This program requires factories, sewage treatment plants, and other point sources to obtain permits before discharging waste or effluents into any body of water. These facilities must utilise the latest technologies to treat their effluents and minimise pollutant levels.
It is important to note that unregulated discharges from point sources can have detrimental effects on water quality, making it unsafe for drinking, swimming, or fishing. Therefore, effective pollution-prevention plans need to be developed, taking into account the unique characteristics of each watershed, including land use, population, hydrologic conditions, climate, and physiography.
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Groundwater contamination
Check for Leaks and Fix Them
Check all the faucets, fixtures, toilets, and taps in your home for leaks and fix them right away. This includes the garden hose, which should be turned off at the faucet, not just the nozzle.
Conserve Water
- Turn off the water when not in use, such as when brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Take shorter showers, and challenge your family to do the same.
- Only run full loads in the dishwasher and clothes washer.
- Water the lawn and plants during the coolest parts of the day and only when necessary.
- Store a pitcher of water in the fridge instead of running the tap to get cold water.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
- Reduce the use of "stuff" and reuse what you can.
- Recycle paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and other materials.
Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste
Do not pour toxic household chemicals or used oil/antifreeze down the drain. Take them to a hazardous waste center instead.
Use Hardy Plants and Organic Fertilizers
- Use plants that require little to no watering, fertilizers, or pesticides.
- Consider using organic or slow-release fertilizers instead of conventional ones.
Rain Gardens
- Rain gardens are small depressions, often on a natural slope, planted with native shrubs, perennials, and flowers.
- They capture and soak up rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and lawns, removing nutrients, chemicals, and sediments.
- Rain gardens allow 30% more water to soak into the ground compared to conventional lawns.
By implementing these measures, we can help reduce groundwater contamination and protect our valuable water resources.
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Stormwater runoff
- Accidental spills
- Leaky storage containers
- Tobacco spit
- Animal waste
- Litter
- Salt
- Pesticides
- Fertilizers
- Oil and grease
- Soil
To prevent stormwater runoff pollution, it is important to minimize the amount of contaminants that enter stormwater systems. This can be done by:
- Not dumping anything down storm drains
- Clearing away leaves and debris
- Properly maintaining your neighborhood stormwater pond
- Installing a rain barrel or cistern to capture roof runoff
- Minimizing the use of salt and other chemicals on your lawn or garden
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Septic systems
The impact of septic systems on watershed pollution is significant, with the U.S. EPA identifying them as one of the top 5 sources of pollutants in surface water bodies. Approximately 25% of U.S. households rely on septic systems, with higher percentages in certain states like Florida and New York. When these systems fail or are overwhelmed by storm conditions, they release sewage into surface waters, polluting waterways with excess nutrients that fuel harmful algal blooms and put human health at risk.
Nitrogen and phosphorus from septic systems can contaminate both groundwater and surface water, such as lakes and streams. High levels of nitrogen in waterways act as a fertilizer for algae, leading to eutrophication and the depletion of oxygen in the water. This can result in mass die-offs of fish, turtles, and other aquatic life. Phosphorus pollution is particularly harmful to freshwater, as it can be absorbed and retained in the soil, eventually finding its way into water bodies and causing further contamination.
To minimize the impact of septic systems on watersheds, proper siting, design, installation, and maintenance are crucial. Homeowners should ensure their septic systems are located at a sufficient distance from drinking water wells and that the systems are appropriately sized for their wastewater needs. Regular maintenance and proper waste disposal practices can also help prevent system failures and reduce nutrient pollution.
By addressing these issues, communities can reduce the pollution caused by septic systems and protect their local watersheds, ensuring clean and safe water for both human and aquatic life.
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Frequently asked questions
A watershed is a land area that drains into a stream, lake, or river.
Pollutants may be discharged directly into a waterbody or washed off the land and into waterbodies, while others seep into the soil and groundwater. Examples of pollutants include waste from septic systems, fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, and industrial waste.
Dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) such as paints, cleaning products, fertilizers, and electronics at HHW collection facilities. Reduce air pollution by walking, biking, or carpooling. Sweep off sidewalks and driveways instead of hosing them off.
