Water Pollution
Water pollution is the introduction of chemical, biological and physical matter into large bodies of water that degrade the quality of life that lives in it and consumes it.
What are the sources of water pollution?
Some of the main contributors to water pollution are:
- Factories
- Refineries
- Waste treatment facilities
- Mining
- Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers
- Human sewage
- Oil spills
- Failing septic systems
- Soap from washing your car
- Oil and antifreeze leaking from cars
- Household chemicals
- Animal waste
Facts about Water Pollution
Here are a few facts about water pollution:
- Over two-thirds of estuaries and bays are severely degraded because of nitrogen and phosphorous pollution.
- Every year almost 25% of beaches are closed at least once because of water pollution.
- Over 73 different kinds of pesticides have been found in the groundwater that we eventually use to drink.
- 1.2 trillion gallons of sewage, storm water and industrial waste are discharged into waters every year.
- 40% of rivers are too polluted for aquatic life to survive.
- Every Year over 2.2 billion pounds of pesticides used, which eventually washes into our rivers and lakes.
How to Prevent Water Pollution ?
The best way to prevent water pollution is to not throw trash and other harmful chemicals into our water supplies. Here are a few more ways you can prevent water pollution:
- Wash your car far away from any storm water drains.
- Don’t throw trash, chemicals or solvents into sewer drains.
- Inspect your septic system every 3-5 years.
- Avoid using pesticides and fertilizers that can run off into water systems.
- Sweep your driveway instead of hosing it down.
- Always pump your waste-holding tanks on your boat.
- Use non-toxic cleaning materials.
- Clean up oil and other liquid spills with kitty litter and sweet them up.
- Don’t wash paint brushes in the sink.