Water pollution is one of the leading causes of imbalance in our ecosystem. The dangers of this pollution are highly underrated, with very few things actually being done for its prevention. Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies due to human interference and actions that lead to a disturbance in the cycles of our ecosystem. This contamination can take place due to a lot of reasons ranging from improper household garbage disposal to industrial waste or ignorance towards individual habits.

Sewage and Wastewater Domestic households, industrial and agricultural practices produce wastewater that can cause pollution of many lakes and rivers. Sewage is the term used for wastewater that often contains faeces, urine and laundry waste. Sewage is mainly biodegradable and most of it is broken down in the environment. The causes of water pollution

Marine dumping Dumping of litter in the sea can cause huge problems. Different items take different lengths of time to degrade in water: Cardboard – Takes 2 weeks to degrade. Newspaper – Takes 6 weeks to degrade. Aluminium – Takes 200 years to degrade. Glass – It takes so long to degrade that we dont know the exact time

Global Warming An increase in water temperature can result in the death of many aquatic organisms and disrupt many marine habitats. Global warming is a process where the average global temperature increases due to the greenhouse effect. Industrial water and water pollution Industry is a huge source of water pollution, it produces pollutants that are extremely harmful to people and the environment. Many industrial facilities use freshwater to carry away waste from the plant and into rivers, lakes and oceans. Pollutants from industrial sources include: Asbestos, Lead, Mercury, Nitrates, Phosphates. Oils – Oil does not dissolve in water, instead it forms a thick layer on the water surface. This can stop marine plants receiving enough light for photosynthesis. It is also harmful for fish and marine birds.

Types of water pollution If the pollution comes from a single source, such as an oil spill, it is called point- source pollution. If the pollution comes from many sources, it is called nonpoint- source pollution. Most types of pollution affect the immediate area surrounding the source. Sometimes the pollution may affect the environment hundreds of miles away from the source, such as nuclear waste, this is called transboundary pollution. Surface water pollution Groundwater pollution Microbiological water pollution Chemical water pollution Surface water pollution Groundwater pollution Microbiological water pollution Chemical water pollution

What Can We Do? Prevention Be careful about what you throw down your sink or toilet. Dont throw paints, oils or other forms of litter down the drain. Take great care not to overuse pesticides and fertilizers. This will prevent runoffs of the material into nearby water sources. Dont throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Help clean up any litter you see on beaches or in rivers and lakes, make sure it is safe to collect the litter and put it in a nearby dustbin.

If you smoke, don't throw or stub your cigarette on the road. It will either be washed away due to the rains and will eventually hit the drainage system. The toiletries that you use can also lead to the contamination of water because of the chemicals they contain. Next time, buy toiletries that are environment friendly. Cleaning of our surroundings. Next time, if you see waste lying around, pick it up and throw it at an appropriate place.

Recycle and dispose of all trash properly. Never flush non-degradable products down the toilet. Avoid over-watering lawns and gardens. Use slow-watering techniques on lawns and gardens. Help identify, report and stop polluters. Join a local clean water or environmental group that monitors industries and sewage treatment plants that are discharging wastes. Be an activist. Contact your public officials and attend hearings to encourage them to support laws and programs to protect our water.

Remember that not helping in the prevention of water pollution is in a way contributing to it!!! Remember that not helping in the prevention of water pollution is in a way contributing to it!!!