Although it covers more than 70% of the surface of the Earth, water is one of the most precious natural resources of our planet. The reason being that about 97% of the total water is salty, and therefore not potable; a further 2% is locked in glaciers and polar ice caps, thus leaving just about 1% of it useful for consumption. Apart from clean drinking water, we also need to keep the waters in the oceans, rivers, and lakes unpolluted because otherwise it harms the very planet we survive on. With human population increasing rapidly water resources all over the world are getting polluted; so much so, that precious and unique organisms and ecosystems are being harmed and are even going extinct at an alarming rate. Although certain natural processes may cause some amount of water pollution, anthropogenic effects cause water pollution the most. We need to use water everyday, both in our industries as well as our homes. We get this water from groundwater sources, rivers, and lakes. Most of the water we use - and abuse - finds its way back to one or more of these water bodies.
The used water from agricultural and industrial practices, and household use, all comes together to generate sewage or wastewater. If sewage allowed to flow back into water systems without being treated, it causes pollution. The polluted water bodies harm all life, humans, animal and plants. Water also gets polluted due to surface runoff from industries, agricultural land and urban areas, which flow directly through storm-water drains into water systems without any treatment.
The disposal of sewage is a major problem in developing countries where there isn't adequate sanitation in large areas, thus carrying disease causing bacteria and viruses into sources of water. However, developed countries too contribute to water pollution; people often flush pharmaceutical and chemical products down their toilet, adding to the chemical load of waste water and sewage.
5 ways you can prevent water pollution at home:
How to reduce Water Pollution
1. Use less water
This might sound simplistic, but decreasing your water consumption is one of the keys to minimizing water pollution. By reducing the amount of water you use, you will reduce the amount of water that flows into sewage treatment systems.
You can decrease your water consumption by taking a shower instead of a bath, letting it mellow if it’s yellow (i.e. don’t flush the toilet every time you urinate), turning the water off while you’re brushing your teeth, and using natural landscaping so you don’t have to water your lawn.
You can decrease your water consumption by taking a shower instead of a bath, letting it mellow if it’s yellow (i.e. don’t flush the toilet every time you urinate), turning the water off while you’re brushing your teeth, and using natural landscaping so you don’t have to water your lawn.
2. Use environmentally-friendly household products
Don’t use household products that contain chemicals. Instead, use green products, like biodegradable soap and all-natural toiletries. To clean your house, stop using bleach and chemical cleaners and use vinegar instead.
3. Apply natural pesticides and fertilizers
The use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers leads to water pollution because contaminated water seeps into ground water and runs off into nearby water sources. Natural pesticides that you can use include insecticidal soap and pyrethrum. Natural fertilizers include wood ash, grass clippings, and animal manure.
4. Don’t litter
Avoid littering in rivers, lakes, and oceans. If you’re really feeling motivated, gather a group of friends and family members to clean up litter on the beach and near other bodies of water. Make sure that you dispose of the litter in an appropriate waste disposal area.
5. Dispose of toxic products with care
Make sure to dispose of toxic products, such as paints, solvents, and polishes, in the proper area. Don’t pour them down your drain. Better yet, avoid toxic products altogether and use environmentally friendly products instead.
As you can see, there are a variety of things that ordinary citizens can do to prevent water pollution. It is everyone’s responsibility to take the steps necessary to lessen water pollution and prevent it from causing further damage to our delicate ecosystems.
Personally, I decided to take an active role in preventing water pollution. While I can’t see the immediate impact of my actions, it feels great to do what’s in my power to make a difference. And the coolest part is that my friends and family members who see me are motivated to do the same. Taking actions to end water pollution empowers both individuals and their respective communities.
