Water pollution is defined as contamination of water bodies which includes lakes, rivers, oceans and groundwater. We all know how the pollution of our water is a major issue, especially as we ramp up our production of potentially harmful substances. Not only does water pollution result in contaminated water, but it also hurts the wildlife that depends on safe water for survival. With increased global warming and climate change, our planet is already reeling under acute water crisis. Moreover, with population of this world growing an explosive rate, the water resources are also getting polluted at a higher rate.
While there is no single short step to stop water pollution, there are number of things that we can do in our daily lifestyle to reduce water pollution. The best way to clean the polluted water is not to clean the polluted water but to stop polluting. Here we have compiled a list of 25 such ways that can help you to reduce water pollution and make it safe for animals, unique. organisms and ecosystems that are being harmed and going extinct at an alarming rate.
Lets have a look at 25 easy and simple ways that you can do to reduce the water pollution going on today.
- Use Less Plastic
It is very difficult to break down plastic after it is produced. Much of the plastic we consume ends up in the world’s water supply, where it is even harder to fish out and safely throw away. If you can use as few plastic items as possible, you are helping the environment. Plastic waste also spreads decay in the water supply.
- Reuse Items
Whenever you buy something that is not recyclable, such as plastic, it is better to reuse this item as many times as possible. This limits your consumption and means less of those products will end up in the world’s rivers, lakes and oceans.
- Recyclable Options
If there are two options for a particular item, pick the one that is easily recyclable. Glass bottles are much better for the environment than plastic, for example.
- Do Not Dispose Oils in the Sink
While there is nothing wrong with consuming oils in your food, or applying them on your body, it is a bad idea to dispose of oils in the sink. It is better to dispose of oils in the garbage, or collect all your excess oil in one bottle and then throw that away.
- Cleaning Chemicals
Similar to oils, cleaning chemicals are hazardous when they enter the water supply. If you are emptying out containers of household cleaning supplies, do it in the trash can not the sink.
- Do not Throw Away Medicines
Never throw away medicines in the water supply either. Even if you have whole pills that you do not need, it is a bad idea to flush them down the toilet or crush them in your kitchen sink disposal.
- Household Items
Do not throw household items, such as cloths, dental floss or wrappers, into the toilet when you are done with them. Toilet paper is specifically made in a way that breaks down easily in water pipes, but these other items pollute the system.
- Garbage Disposal
Even though most homes have a garbage disposal system in the sink, it is better to use it as rarely as possible. This system can break down solid objects, but those items are harmful to the water supply. It is better to throw them in the trash can when possible.
- Dishwashing or Laundry
Only use your dishwasher or washing machine when it is close to being full. Using these machines to clean one or two dishes, or a few pairs of clothes, is an incredible waste of water. The less amount of water you use during washing, the less
- Limit the Use of Detergents and Bleaches
While it is okay to use detergents and bleaches in dishwashers and washing machines, it is better to limit your use as much as possible. Do not put two cups of bleach in your washing machine when the instructions only call for half a cup.
- Use Environmentally Friendly Detergents
Whenever possible, get environmentally friendly detergents, soaps and dishwashing liquids. While these are sometimes more expensive, you are doing the environment a great service by using less harmful substances.
- Gardening
While everyone wants a nice garden in their home, it is incredible how much water we waste during that process. Install a waterbutt in your home, because it can catch rainfall throughout the year and allow you to use that to water your grass and plants.
- Avoid Pesticides
If you need to overhaul your garden, attempt to do so without using any herbicides or pesticides. These are very harmful to the environment. Talk to landscaping companies in your area about environmentally friendly replacements for these products.
- Conserve Soil
When chemicals get into the soil, they spread through the water because of the topsoil getting carried by the falling rain. This is normal, but if the soil is exposed to excess phosphates or harmful substances, it can cause serious damage to the ground. Contrast banks right in front of waterways so that you can stop the soil’s movement.
- Do Regular Car Maintenance
If you have a car, truck or other mechanical device, it is best to maintain it after regular intervals. This ensures the item is running efficiently and not polluting the environment that much. Remember, pollution in the air does have an eventual impact on our water supply.
- Oil Spill
The waste that gathers up when you are working on your car or other mechanical devices is harmful to the environment. Oil and transmission fluid are two examples of substances you do not want in your drains or sewers.
- Cellar Drains or Septic Tanks
If you have a cellar drain or septic tank, be sure that it is not draining directly into your sewerage system. This can cause serious issues and pollution in the system. Talk to your local water authority about proper ways to manage a cellar drain or septic tank.
- Do Not Litter!
If you are visiting an area where there is a nearby lake, river or ocean, do not throw any type of litter or trash into or near the water. Even if you throw away a wrapper on the beach, the tide will eventually pick it up and take it into the water supply.
- Use Water Sparingly
Turn off the tap while you are brushing your teeth. Bathing actually uses a lot more water than showering. But do not take 20 minute showers when 10 minutes is all you need. Every bit of water you conserve is a way to help the environment.
- Plant Fauna at Lakes or Rivers
If you live in an area where a lake or river is present, you might want to think about planting some local fauna near the water. Trees are also helpful. Not only do they look beautiful when they grow, but these natural items help protect the nearby water supply from pollutants. Fauna also limits the Carbon Dioxide in the water, which balances out its pH level.
- Clean Up Litter
If you see someone littering near water, ask them to keep their items and throw them somewhere else. If you see litter on the floor, pick it up and put it in a bag and throw it away when you get home. It is easy to think that someone else will do the job, but we can all help each other and our environment by being proactive.
- Stop Chemical Pollution
If you notice someone throwing chemicals into the water, or hear about such an incident, talk to your local water authorities about the matter. Tell them what you saw or know and implore them to take action. If you stay quiet, you are letting the problem get worse.
- Buy Sustainable Meats
While we all enjoy a hamburger from time to time, it is important to think about the impact of factory farms on our water supply. These farms produce huge amounts of waste, which ends up harming the nearby water supplies. Whenever possible, buy sustainable meats instead of those produced at factory farms.
- Stop Immersion of Ashes in the River
While it is a common practice, specially in Hindu religion, to immerse the ashes of deceased person into the holy water of sacred river Ganga, it pollutes the river water and adversely affects the water quality. Dead bodies are cremated on the river banks. Partially burnt bodies are also flung into the river to keep up with religious faiths.
- Join Water Conservation Organizations
If you have time, you can join a water conservation organization. If you have a busy schedule, consider donating to a nearby organization a few times a year. Even small donations can have a positive impact on those who are fighting to keep our water supply safe and healthy.
