How to Reduce Water Pollution

A single quart of motor oil that seeps into the groundwater can pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water.

The world is afflicted with problems, each one more grave than the last. Environmental pollution, global warming, deforestation ... and the list goes on and on. Water pollution, you may think, is just one such problem, but one that is creating havoc and leading to crisis.

Can you imagine life without water? Without water, there is no life. If just for that, there is a need to understand―and more importantly, implement―the ways by which water pollution can be prevented. Let us review some of these methods in the following sections.

Water pollution refers to anything that changes the composition and the physical, biological, or chemical properties of water. These can be brought about due to the contamination by harmful substances.

Other than not having safe water to drink, it can also lead to varied waterborne diseases like dysentery and diarrhea and in severe cases can even prove to be fatal. It is not just humans who are harmed by water pollution, it also leads to overall harm to the ecosystem and the varied organisms within the ecosystem.

Plants, animals, fish, and other organisms are also affected by this―with their habitat or water reserves being destroyed, more and more species are becoming extinct.

With the ecosystem and its varied organisms being destroyed, it has a direct effect on the human race itself. Which is why it is extremely important to know how to prevent water pollution.

Preventing and reducing water pollution is not the responsibility of the government and authorities alone. Each individual needs to take up certain steps at the grass root level in order to reduce and prevent pollution. In fact, there are several steps that can and should be taken up by every individual. Here are some ways on how to stop water pollution.

This is by far the most important, and equally simple way of reducing pollution. But how does saving water reduce water pollution? The more water you save, the lesser the contaminated water to treat. This in turn reduces the pressure on the resources as well. It does not take a lot to save water―one only needs to become aware and conscious of the same.

Save water with simple steps like turning it off when washing vessels or brushing your teeth, not using the washing machine when the load is not high, and using a mop or cloth to wash the yard instead of a hose pipe. When you think of the ways, there are several that you can adopt.

Keep a lookout for what you're discarding. Never, ever throw oil, paints, litter, fat from food, and medicines―liquid or pills, into the sink or the toilet. Somewhere down the line, it mixes with the water sources and adds to the contamination.

Additionally, never flush sanitary products in the toilet. These block the sewage systems and could end up washing up to the beaches. Find the correct ways of disposing these elements by getting in touch with the authorities.

Many cities have specific systems that have been put into place for the disposal of the same. Take the effort of finding these and follow them.

Other than this, do not salt the driveways in the winter to get rid of the snow. The salt finds its way into the nearest water body, killing off fish in its wake. Another important factor―pick up after your pet. If pet waste runs into the drain, it can pollute the water as well.

Take your car for regular servicing. The oil leaks, chemicals, antifreeze, coolant, and other hazardous fluids that the car gives off can lead to polluting the river banks, bays, and other water bodies. Thus contaminating drinking water.

Another thing that you can do is take the car to a service station. Not only will you prevent the wastage of water which would have been used while hosing the car down, but more importantly, the service stations are required to dispose off the water into the sewer system. Thus preventing pollution.

As far as possible, do not cement the surface in the yards. The water that is used when watering the garden or the runoff rainwater cannot be absorbed back into the ground due to this surface. Make sure to grow lots of plants in the garden. These will absorb the water.

All those pesticides and fertilizers that you're using in your garden are really harmful and poisonous when mixed with water. Basically, these are not fit for human consumption. How's that connected?

These pesticides and chemicals find a way into the water resources and pollute the water further. Instead of using these chemicals, preference should be given to natural fertilizers like compost, manure, and the like. Similarly, study the amount of water that your garden needs and only install the sprinkler system for areas that cannot be watered manually.

Watering the garden before the sun comes up and after the sun goes down will prevent evaporation and not only ensure that the plants are getting their regular supply, but will also prevent the wastage of water.

Use natural products that are biodegradable and non-toxic, in place of chemicals that contaminate and pollute the water. Using non-toxic products will ensure minimum pressure on the water resources and save on the cost of treating the water. This goes for detergents, soaps, fertilizers, and anything else that comes in contact with the water for usage.

Strict laws need to be put into place that state the correct procedures for the discarding of industrial waste. Strict action needs to be taken against those who do not follow the same.

Have a proper system in place that will allow for proper methods of garbage disposal so that it does not find its way into the water bodies. Same is the case with maintaining a proper septic tank and keeping it clean.

It is only when you take the ways to prevent water pollution seriously that there will be a hope to reduce it. Be aware of your environment, understand your role in keeping it safe, take into account the consequences of your actions, and ask if it is worth it. Then and only then will you know how to reduce water pollution and how to keep it going strong.