Water pollution occurs when a body of water becomes contaminated, sometimes by chemicals or microorganisms. Water pollution can cause water to become poisonous to humans and the environment.
However, water is an important resource for all life on the planet. If a water source becomes contaminated due to pollution, then it can lead to health issues in human body like Cancer and many more. This Guide explores the causes and effects of water pollution and how it can affect human health.
Also, read our blog post Does Drinking Hard Water Cause Acidity
What’s water pollution?
Water pollution occurs when toxic substances usually chemicals or micro-organisms, pollute a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of water, degrading its quality well toxic it to humans and the environment as well.
Causes of water pollution:
Human beings are the basic reason for the contamination of water which can be affected in various ways. Some of the ways are as follows.
Industrial waste:
There are still various companies that fail to treat their waste and end up a torrential vast quantity of contaminants from their industrial processes into rivers, oceans, and seas.
Global warming:
Weather temperature rises cause changes in water composition by dropping oxygen.
Deforestation:
The source of underground sediments, bacteria or micro-organisms, and the subsequent pollution of groundwater.
Pesticides:
When they’re used in farmland, pesticides filter through underground channels and attain water networks.
Oil:
Sometime Gasoline products end up in the oceans through leaks when being transported. The consequences are awful both for water and the biodiversity living in it.
Sewage:
The United Nations says that over 80 percent of wastewater reaches the sea, rivers, and oceans untreated.
Effects Of Water Pollution:
Water pollution affects both the environment and the health of human beings. As a result, we make sure the availability of water and its sustainable management as well as sanitation for everyone. However, the basic effects of water pollution include:
Dangers to human health:
Every year, water unfit for human consumption makes around a billion people sick. Diseases transmitted by contaminated water include cholera, giardia, and typhoid fever in human beings.
Even in rich nations, illegal discharges from sewage treatment plants and overflow from farms as well as town contribute to injurious pathogens in waterways.
Change in aquatic habitats:
To prosper, healthy ecosystems depend on a multipart network of animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi. All of which cooperate directly or indirectly among themselves. Harm to any of these organisms can make a chain reaction endangering whole water environments.
Economic loss:
The World Bank said in a report that the worsening of water quality worldwide was severely reducing the economic potential of highly polluted areas.
Biodiversity loss:
When water pollution causes the proliferation of algae in a lake or other environment, the introduction of newly introduced nutrients stimulates the development of plants and algae which in turn reduces the oxygen levels in the water.
Additionally, this lack of oxygen is called eutrophication, which suffocates plants as well as animals, and can create dead zones, where water is fundamentally deprived of life. In certain cases, this flowering of injurious algae can produce neurotoxins that surely affect wildlife.
How To Protect Yourself From Water Pollution
It is no secret that water pollution is a huge problem. Every year, thousands of gallons of oil are spilled into our waterways, and sewage and other contaminants are also dumped. This pollutes our water and makes it unsafe to drink. There are many ways to protect ourselves from water pollution, and we should all be aware of them.
One way to protect ourselves from water pollution is to avoid drinking contaminated water. This may seem like common sense, but many people do not realize that their water may be contaminated. If you are on a public water system, you can check with your local water provider to see if there have been any recent contamination incidents. You can also have your water tested from the nearest lab for contaminants.
Another way to protect ourselves from water pollution is to avoid swimming in contaminated water. This is especially important for children, who are more likely to swallow water while swimming. If you must swim in contaminated water, be sure to shower afterward to remove any contaminants that may have been absorbed through your skin.
You can also help protect our waterways by properly disposing of hazardous materials. This includes oil, paint, and other household chemicals. Never pour these materials down the drain, as they will eventually end up in our waterways. Instead, you should take them to a local hazardous waste facility.
Finally, you can help control water pollution by helping organizations that work to clean up our waterways. Many organizations rely on donations to continue their work. You can also volunteer your time to help with cleanup efforts.
By following these simple tips, you can help protect yourself from water pollution. Remember, we all have a responsibility to keep our waterways clean.
How To Deal With Polluted Water
Most people don’t think about how their water becomes polluted. They assume that if water comes out of their tap, it’s clean. However, water can become polluted in a number of ways. Here are some ways to treat polluted water so that it’s safe to drink:
Boil It
One of the simplest ways to clean water is to boil it. Boiling water will kill harmful bacteria & viruses that may be present. It’s important to let the water boil for at least one minute to make sure all the contaminants are killed.
Use a Water Filter
Another option is to use a water filter. There are a variety of water filters available. Some are designed for specific contaminants, while others are for general filtration. So, be sure to read the instructions to find a water filter that will work for the specific contaminants in your water.
Distill It
Distilling water is another way to remove contaminants. This process includes boiling water and then collecting the steam. The steam will condense and the resulting water will be free of contaminants.
Use Iodine
Iodine can also be used to clean water. Add five drops of iodine per gallon of water. Stir the water and let it sit for 30 minutes before drinking.
By following these simple steps, you can make sure your water is safe to drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major effects of water pollution?
The major effects of water pollution include the contamination of drinking water, the spread of water-borne diseases, and the death of aquatic life. Water pollution can also lead to the formation of toxic algae blooms, which can deplete oxygen levels in the water and lead to the death of fish and other aquatic animals.
What can be done to reduce water pollution?
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce water pollution. One is to reduce the number of pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture. Another is to treat sewage before it is discharged into water bodies.
Additionally, industries can take measures to reduce the discharge of pollutants into water bodies. Finally, people can be made aware of the problem of water pollution and be encouraged to take measures to protect water bodies.
Final Words:
Water pollution is a serious problem that we need to take action to address. We can all do our part to reduce water pollution by being mindful of our own water usage, properly disposing of hazardous materials, and supporting organizations that are working to clean up our waterways.