Water pollution is a growing problem all around the world. Polluted drinking water is a major risk to human health, while contamination of rivers and lakes poses risks to wildlife as well. But what can we do about it?
Increasing population and industrialization have caused serious damage to the environment, leading to various forms of water pollution. This poses serious threats to both aquatic and human life, affecting fish populations and degrading water quality used for farming or drinking. In some countries, even basic drinking water safety standards are not met.
It is time for individuals and corporations across the world to take responsibility for fostering a healthier relationship with our planet’s water resources. We need simple and easy ways that everyday citizens can take in order to .reduce their own impact on the environment; solutions that everyone can take part in and benefit from. With this article, we will discuss how you can easily control water pollution at your own home, in your neighborhood, or even globally.
Types of Water Pollution
Marine Pollution
A polluted river draining an abandoned copper mine on Anglesey. Seawater is greatly polluted in many ways than other sources of water. An example is the direct throwing of industrial waste and sewage into the ocean. This type of pollution is very common in developing nations.
Big gyres (vortexes) attack floating plastic debris in the oceans. Plastic debris absorbs poisonous chemicals from ocean contamination. It creates poisoning any creature which eats it. Many long-lasting pieces go inside the belly or stomachs of animals and marine birds. It leads to decrease appetite or sometimes starvation.
You get some secondary effects that aren’t coming from the original pollutants but a derivative condition. Silt-bearing surface is such an example. It inhibits the penetration of sunlight inside the water column and hampers photosynthesis in aquatic plants.
Groundwater Pollution
The interaction of surface water and groundwater is complex. So groundwater pollution sometimes calls groundwater contamination. It isn’t very easy to classify as surface water contamination. Groundwater aquifers are responsible for the contamination of surface water bodies by their nature. The differences of point vs. nonpoint resources are different.
People who analyze groundwater give focus on site geology and soil characteristics, hydrology, hydrogeology, and the nature of pollutants. There are many causes of groundwater. The names are sewage, on-site sanitation, naturally occurring, pesticides and fertilizers, hydraulic fracturing, commercial and industrial leaks, and landfill leachate.
Interaction of surface water and groundwater are complex. So groundwater pollution sometimes calls groundwater contamination. It isn’t very easy to classify as surface water contamination.
Groundwater aquifers are responsible for the contamination of surface water bodies by its nature. The differences of a point vs. nonpoint resources are different.
People who analyze groundwater give focus on site geology and soil characteristics, hydrology, hydrogeology and the nature of pollutants. There are many causes of groundwater.
The names are sewage, on-site sanitation, naturally-occurring, pesticides and fertilizers, hydraulic fracturing, commercial and industrial leaks and landfill leachate.
Categories of Pollution Sources
Groundwater and surface water have been managed and studied as different resources though they have a connection. Surface water goes through the soils and turns into groundwater.
On the other way, groundwater feeds surface water resources. The sources of surface water pollution are divided into 2 categories depending on its region.
Point Sources
Point source water pollution means the contaminants which go in waterway from an identifiable or single source such as a ditch or a pipe.
Examples of such sources include discharge from a factory, a sewage dealing plant and a municipality storm drain.
Clean Water Act (CWA) indicates point resource for authoritarian enforcement function.
The CWA’s point source revised in 1987 and added municipal storm drain methods and industrial stormwater for example from building sites.
Non-Point Sources
Nonpoint source pollution indicates diffuse contamination which doesn’t come from a distinct source. This kind of contamination is the cumulative outcome of a little number of pollutants reserved in a big area.
A normal example is leaching out of nitrogen compounds from the fertilized agricultural lands.
Nutrient runoff from sheet flow on a forest or an agricultural field is also the example of non-point source pollution.
Polluted stormwater moved to parking lots, highways and roads named as urban runoff. This is sometimes classified as the category of non-point sources.
Nonetheless, this runoff is channeled to storm drain system and discharged inside the pipe of the local exterior waters. Then it turns into a point source.
How Can We Control Water Pollution?
Sewage Treatments
The water we use in our house should be treated properly to make the environment free from pollutant and safe. Proper care must be taken to guarantee that effective sewage treatment system is in place.
If we like to prevent water pollution, animal and human excreta must be prevented from getting mixed with its sources. Making proper sewage treatment and pit toilet can ensure some solution to the problem.
Prevent River Water from Getting Polluted
It is not possible to make the graceful water of the river to a clean one by the natural process. The reason is that there are lots of external substances which are discharged into water. Thus the rivers become polluted.
People who use this waterfall in the trap of diseases. Effective efforts must be taken to resist the water pollution of the river. Besides people should not give permission to throw waste into the water of the river.
Treatment of Wastes Before Discharge
Factories must treat effluent wastes before to discharge. The toxic material must be transformed into the harmless material and treated chemically. If possible, the factory must try to reprocess the treated water.
Drain Fat and Grease
Pouring fat and grease down the drain is a common mistake that can have serious consequences. When these substances are poured down the drain, they can solidify in your pipes and cause clogs. This can lead to sewage backing up into yards and basements, creating an unpleasant mess. Furthermore, this waste can also contaminate local bodies of water, leading to environmental damage.
The best way to dispose of fat and grease is to put it in the trash or keep it in a “fat jar” for disposal with other solid waste. This will help prevent clogs in your pipes and protect our environment from contamination.
Additionally, you should never pour hot oil down the drain as it will solidify quickly and cause more problems than cold oil would. These simple steps will help ensure that our plumbing systems function properly and our environment remains healthy.
Keep the Pond Water Clean and Safe
People should not wash or bath cattle in the water of the pond. Bathing cattle and washing dirty clothes build pond water unsuitable and dirty for personal use. Since the ponds are constantly misused, it may guide to severe consequence.
Routine Cleaning
Lakes, Ponds, and wells are being used for human. They should be treated or cleaned routinely so that it stays fit for human use.
The step is very essential and one should not avoid it. A method of normal testing of lake and pond may be initiated to confirm the safety of the water.
Don’t Pour Insecticides in Sinks and Toilets
Do not pour household medicines and insecticides etc. down the toilet, drain, and sink. People like to throw old medicines and wastes into the bathroom toilet.
The practice needs to be discouraged since the chemical compound of insecticides and medicines etc. at the time of mixing with other chemicals can result in the formation of some harmful substances.
Avoid Using Plastic
As it is not biodegradable, plastic may end up by gathering in lakes, rivers, and oceans as it has to go elsewhere. The High Pacific Garbage Patch is a great vortex of trash mostly plastic which collected in the oceans.
The trash affects the life of marine and endangers the life of a marine. If possible, use cloth container or glass instead of plastic.
Think About Water Pollution When You Shop
When protecting our water from pollution, one of the best things we can do is a shop with water pollution in mind. This means being mindful of our products and ensuring they are not contributing to water pollution.
One way to do this is by avoiding products that contain persistent and dangerous chemicals. Many companies now offer non-toxic cleaners, biodegradable cleaners, and pesticides that are much better for the environment. Spending a little extra money on these products will help reduce the number of pollutants entering our waterways.
Another way to shop with water pollution in mind is to look for products certified as eco-friendly or green. These products have been tested for their environmental impact and have been found to be safe for use around waterways.
By choosing these products, you can be sure you are not contributing to water pollution when you clean your home or garden. Shopping with water pollution in mind is an easy way to make a difference and help protect our precious natural resources.
Make Organic Food a Priority
Organic food is becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the environmental and health benefits associated with eating organic. Organic foods are produced without synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm both humans and the environment.
Eating organic reduces the amount of chemical pollution that ends up in our water supply, making it safer for us to drink. Additionally, organic farming practices help preserve soil fertility and reduce air pollution from agricultural activities.
The food we choose to eat has a huge impact on environmental quality. Industrial farms rely heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can hurt air quality due to their release of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.
Furthermore, these chemicals can end up in our water supply if not properly managed. Eating more organic food can reduce our contribution to this problem by avoiding these chemicals altogether. Additionally, organic farming practices require less fuel for transportation and farm equipment than conventional methods, further reducing our environmental footprint.
Make Sure Your Vehicles Don’t Leak
Vehicles leaking oil and other fluids into the environment is a major problem that can have serious consequences. Not only does it pollute the local water table, but it can also end up in creeks and streams, causing damage to aquatic life and ecosystems.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to be diligent about maintaining and repairing your vehicles. Leaky seals, hoses, and gaskets should be replaced as soon as possible; this will help keep your vehicle running smoothly and save you money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions[FAQs]
1. How to reduce water pollution essay?
Reduce Your Use of Fertilizers. Fertilizers are essential for growing healthy crops, but they can pollute our waterways when used in excess. Over-fertilization leads to algal blooms and fish kills, as these chemicals provide an ideal environment for algae growth. Additionally, the runoff from fields treated with fertilizer can enter nearby streams or groundwater, leading to
2. Why should we stop water pollution?
For ourselves and future generations, water conservation and prevention of pollution are essential to ensuring a steady supply of safe water. In natural and human systems, water pollution is any contamination of water that reduces its usefulness.
3. How can water pollution be controlled?
Dishwashing and laundry should be done with the minimum amount of detergent and bleach. Make sure your soaps and detergents are phosphate-free. Fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide use should be minimized. Neither sanitary sewers nor storm sewers should be used to dispose of these chemicals, motor oil, or other automotive fluids.
4. Why is water pollution a problem?
Poisonous or disease-causing substances can be found in water. During sewage treatment, bacteria and parasites may enter drinking water supplies and cause digestive problems. Pollution of water will create health problems.
5. Where did water pollution start?
It is estimated that 80 percent of ocean pollution originates on land near the coast or far inland. Streams and rivers carry pollutants like chemicals, nutrients, and heavy metals from farms, factories, and cities to our estuaries and bays.
Conclusion
Now that you know the steps to take to control water pollution, start implementing them. Also, ensure that your lifestyle does not contribute to excess water contamination. You can make a difference today by changing your diet and buying only certified products.
Sarah J. Gregory
352 Hershell Hollow Road
Anaheim, CA 92805
