Protest Water Pollution: Now Or Never?

Water pollution is a pressing issue that has sparked protests worldwide, with people demanding clean water as a basic human right. Protests have taken place in various countries, including the UK, Tunisia, South Africa, China, Burma, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, and even in the United States, where the lead contamination of Flint's water drew criticism. The time to protest water pollution is when people's health and well-being are at risk, and when environmental destruction and ecosystem degradation are rampant. Protests have targeted government inaction, weak water governance, privatization of water resources, and the failure of water companies to address sewage pollution and infrastructure issues. With increasing spills and contaminated water sources, it is crucial to act before the situation worsens and affects future generations.

The need for long-term plans to tackle water pollution

Water pollution is a critical issue that jeopardizes the health and well-being of people and the planet. It is a widespread problem, with surface water filling our oceans, lakes, and rivers, accounting for more than 60% of the water supplied to American homes, yet being in peril. The contamination of these freshwater sources by chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants poses a severe threat to human health and the environment. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the need for long-term plans to tackle water pollution effectively.

Protests and marches, such as the Clean Water March in the UK, demonstrate the public's growing concern and demand for action. Protesters call for the government and water companies to address water pollution and ensure clean water for all. This includes enforcing laws, upgrading infrastructure, and reducing water wastage to prevent sewage spills and the release of untreated sewage, which has affected swimming, fishing, and drinking water sources. The Environment Agency in the UK reported 3.6 million hours of spills in 2023, more than double the previous year, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

To tackle water pollution effectively, long-term plans are essential. These plans should incorporate comprehensive strategies that address the various sources of water pollution, including point source and non-point source pollution. Point source pollution refers to contamination from a single, identifiable source, such as industrial discharge or sewage treatment plants, while non-point source pollution comes from diffuse sources like agricultural runoff or atmospheric deposition. By understanding the sources and types of pollution, targeted and effective solutions can be developed.

Long-term plans should also focus on sustainability and equitable allocation of water resources. This includes setting maximum sustainable limits for water consumption and pollution in river basins and aquifers to ensure a balance between human needs and the needs of the natural environment. Additionally, governments should broaden their perspective beyond their national borders and consider their external water footprint. Many countries import water-intensive products, impacting water resources and pollution levels in other regions. By recognizing these dependencies and risks, governments can make more informed decisions about water governance and sustainable development.

Furthermore, long-term plans should emphasize the restoration and protection of waterways. This includes investing in infrastructure upgrades to prevent sewage spills and reduce the impact of exceptional circumstances, such as heavy rainfall, which is sometimes used as a justification for releasing sewage into waterways. By addressing the root causes of water pollution and investing in the necessary upgrades, we can ensure cleaner and safer water for future generations.

The role of nonviolent action in water governance

As climate change accelerates, water-related challenges will intensify, increasing strain on water governance systems. Water stress is projected to increase in the agricultural lands of North Africa and Central and South Asia's river systems. These challenges will converge with urbanization and migration trends, increasing water demand while supply decreases. As access to this finite, vital resource becomes increasingly imperiled, water-related tensions will rise—both between states and within them.

Nonviolent action has played a significant role in water governance, with movements advocating for better water quality and an end to sewage discharge into UK bathing waters. For example, the Surfers Against Sewage campaign has led to significant changes, with 98.5% of designated bathing waters in the UK now classified as excellent, good, or sufficient, up from 27% in 1990. In April 2022, thousands of ocean activists across the country took part in the first national day of action on sewage pollution, targeting twelve water companies.

In fragile states with weak social contracts, nonviolent action movements can be a powerful tool to address water issues alongside deeper issues of conflict and fragility. For instance, the Standing Rock "Water Protectors" movement in the United States mobilized against a pipeline's impact on water, linking to historic resistance over land rights. Similarly, in Afghanistan, corruption, displacement, and conflict are interwoven with the religious, traditional, and formal elements of the country's water governance system, leading to decreasing trust and cooperation.

To be successful, it is crucial for nonviolent movements to maintain discipline and refrain from violence. Research shows that peaceful campaigns are more likely to achieve their goals and be followed by peace and democracy. By developing strategic thinking and adapting their approaches, nonviolent movements can improve water governance and prevent violent conflicts from escalating.

In conclusion, as water-related challenges become more pressing, the role of nonviolent action in water governance becomes increasingly important. By embracing peaceful strategies and advocating for change, nonviolent movements can address water-related tensions and improve water governance systems, ultimately securing access to this vital resource for communities worldwide.

The impact of water pollution on livelihoods and well-being

Water pollution has a significant impact on human health and well-being. It endangers the health of millions of people worldwide and is linked to a range of diseases and health issues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polluted water is water that has become toxic and unusable, causing diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and poliomyelitis, which claim the lives of over 500,000 people annually worldwide. Drinking water contaminants such as chlorinated by-products, nitrates, arsenic, radionuclides, and pesticides have been linked to cancer in humans. Furthermore, water pollution can lead to the destruction of aquatic ecosystems, eutrophication in lakes, and contamination of the food chain.

Water pollution also affects livelihoods, particularly those dependent on water-based activities and industries. For instance, Sarah Walsh, an open-water swimming coach from Cornwall, stated that pollution in the sea "affects my livelihood directly" as she cannot take people swimming if the water is polluted. It also impacts the well-being of those who enjoy swimming, such as Katherine Keyte from Poole and Bournemouth, who is part of a cold water swim group and felt strongly about the issue.

The economic impact of water pollution is significant. David Malpass, the president of the World Bank, has stated that "deteriorating water quality is stalling economic growth and exacerbating poverty in many countries." When the biological oxygen demand, an indicator of organic pollution in water, exceeds a certain threshold, the growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the associated regions can decrease by up to a third.

Water pollution also has environmental and social consequences. It leads to the destruction of biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems, with oceans becoming more acidic, making it challenging for shellfish and coral to survive. This, in turn, impacts the social fabric of communities that rely on these water sources for their way of life. Additionally, water pollution disproportionately affects underprivileged communities, as they may lack access to clean water sources and safe sanitation facilities.

Addressing water pollution is crucial for ensuring the well-being and livelihoods of people worldwide. This includes implementing measures to reduce CO2 emissions, limit the use of chemical pesticides, safely treat wastewater, and restrict the use of single-use plastics. By taking action against water pollution, we can protect the health and economic prospects of current and future generations.

Government accountability and enforcement of water regulations

Protesting water pollution is a way for citizens to demand government action and accountability on this critical issue. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the ideal time to protest, several factors can guide strategic planning. One key consideration is the political climate and public awareness of water pollution issues. Protests can be more impactful when they ride on the momentum of increased public attention, such as following media reports or during election periods when policymakers are more receptive to public opinion.

The EPA employs various strategies to enforce these laws. One key tool is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. Under the NPDES, the EPA regulates discharges of pollutants from various sources, including municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, sewer systems, and industrial stormwater discharges. The NPDES sets limits on the amount and type of pollutants that can be released into water bodies, with each EPA region issuing permits that adhere to or exceed established guidelines. However, the EPA has faced challenges with non-compliance, as highlighted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). In 2018, nearly 11,000 facilities exceeded their permit limits, illegally discharging pollutants into nearby waters. To address this, the EPA aims to improve data assessment and disclosure, working with states to ensure accurate reporting and enhance enforcement of the Clean Water Act.

Another aspect of EPA's enforcement is its partnership with federal, state, and tribal regulatory agencies. Through on-site inspections and information review, the EPA ensures compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Additionally, the EPA's initiatives address specific issues, such as oil spills and hazardous substance releases. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) amended the CWA, increasing penalties for non-compliance and strengthening the federal government's response and enforcement authorities. The EPA also regulates underground injection wells to prevent the endangerment of current and future drinking water sources.

While the EPA has made strides in enforcing water regulations, ongoing challenges persist. Protests against water pollution highlight the need for stricter enforcement, particularly regarding sewage pollution and industrial discharges. Citizens demand that the government hold polluting industries accountable and ensure infrastructure upgrades to reduce water wastage. The public's anger and frustration fuel these protests, as evident in the March for Clean Water, where participants called for immediate government action to tackle water pollution.

The mobilisation of grassroots movements to address water inequities

As climate change advances, grassroots movements are becoming increasingly important in the fight for better water management. These movements are crucial in addressing water inequities and ensuring access to clean water for all. One example of a successful grassroots movement is the Surfers Against Sewage campaign in the UK, which has led to significant improvements in bathing water quality. In the 1990s and 2000s, their efforts resulted in a 98.5% improvement in the quality of designated bathing waters, with over 40,000 signatures presented to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs in 2021.

Grassroots movements are particularly effective in fragile states with weak social contracts, as they can address water issues alongside deeper issues of conflict and fragility. For instance, in Afghanistan, water governance is intertwined with corruption, displacement, and conflict, leading to decreasing trust and cooperation. Similarly, in urban centres of Pakistan, mafias control water resources, reflecting economic inequality and a lack of enforcement of water laws. In such cases, grassroots movements can be a powerful instrument for positive change.

To be effective, grassroots movements must embrace nonviolent strategies and maintain a peaceful approach. This is crucial to avoid becoming targets of violent state repression and to increase the likelihood of achieving their goals. By refraining from violence, these movements can expand their capacity to organize and mobilize, gaining support from the community and potentially leading to systemic socio-technical changes.

Additionally, grassroots movements should focus on strategic thinking and identify responsible actors for their grievances, such as the government, private sector, or other water users. This can help sustain long-term campaigns and create a tidal wave of support that cannot be ignored. For example, the Standing Rock "Water Protectors" mobilized against a pipeline's impact on water, linking their resistance to historic struggles over land rights.

Grassroots movements also play a vital role in defending water rights and the communities that depend on them. For instance, the eco-feminist movement Kebetkache in Nigeria has long struggled to defend water and the communities that rely on it. Similarly, social movements in Honduras are seeking justice for the assassination of movement leader Berta Cáceres, demonstrating the courage and perseverance of grassroots organizations.

Frequently asked questions