Water Pollution

Imagining life without potable water is gruesome. In this article, we will address the issue of water pollution, its cause, effects, and sources. The aim is to enlighten on water pollution to curb actions that result in water pollution. After all, having potable water comes in handy for everyone.

Water population refers to when certain pollutants contaminate water bodies. No one can use water from such water bodies to do anything in such a case.

Sadly, there has been an increase in the rate of water population globally. We even see that some communities have learned how to cope with contaminated water after experiencing water pollution for years. But, no one should live in such a situation.

What caused the water population in the first place? Typically, the best way to curb an issue is to trace its roots, the source of water pollution. From there, one can begin to develop ideas on stopping the rave of water pollution.

Water pollution is one of those challenges that everyone needs to join hands to combat. Else, it may eventually lead to death. Also, it is important to note that humans are not the only species affected by water pollution.

Causes of water pollution

Of course, everyone agrees that the issue of water pollution is a menace. But what causes water pollution?

Below are some causes of water pollution:

1. Industrial Waste: A water body doesn’t stay and gets contaminated without reason. There is always a factor that causes water pollution, and one of it is industrial waste. Usually, we hear people complain that they do not want industries situated in their communities. It is often confusing as these industries are supposed to boost the community’s economy. However, we see that the opposite is usually the case as these industries emit industrial waste that leads to water pollution. The waste could be in the form of oils or other harmful chemicals. Thereby making these water bodies inhabitable to aquatic species, and the water also becomes undrinkable. In addition, no one would want to live in such a community.
2. Mining Activities: Typically, it is best not to disrupt water bodies. But, engaging in activities like mining can disrupt water bodies, leading to water pollution. Lead is one of the pollutants that can contaminate these water bodies during mining. Many harmful pollutants are usually released into the water bodies, rendering them useless. Sometimes, it may even be that a specific pipe was affected during mining, and it begins to leak. Thus, leaking out chemicals that would affect the water bodies and cause water pollution. Water bodies should be avoided when people decide to mine. Else, there would be adverse effects, especially on those dependent on those water bodies.
3. Sewage and wastewater: Sadly, we see that some people connect sewage pipes to water bodies, leading to water pollution. So, while people do their private business indoors, the pipes are connected to leak into water bodies. It is quite unimaginable, and no one desires to drink sewage water. In such a case, only law enforcement agencies can help as they would be the ones to curb these situations. All regions should have strict laws that forbid people from connecting sewage pipelines to water bodies. If such an act continues, there would be almost no good water bodies globally anymore.
4. Accidental oil leakages: Understandably, some people engage in actions and are aware that such actions are harmful to water bodies and cause water pollution. But, there are times when water pollution happens due to accidental actions. One of such cases is accidental oil leakages. Sometimes, an industry may not be aware that its pipelines are leaking. People who stay around would pay attention to the situation. Other times, the leakages are not noticeable. So, before anyone can see that something is wrong, it has already contaminated water bodies. Organizations need to always carry out regular checks on their pipelines to avoid such from happening.
5. Disposal of Chemical Waste Dumping: Large-scale industries are notorious for dumping chemicals in the oceans. High toxic substances such as detergents, polychlorinated biphenyl, and lead are released into our environment on a daily basis.
6. Radiated Waste Discharge: There are nuclear power plants across our country, and the government allows “permissible” levels of radioactive water to be released into the environment on a daily basis. And, even though it is allowed – it does not mean it is safe. Similarly, it has been known that accidents do occur, releasing large amounts of harmful chemicals that will be released into the air, water, and soil.

Effects of water population

Below are some effects of water pollution:

1. Lack of potable water: The essence of having access to potable water cannot be overemphasized. Some studies say that humans can live for some days without food but will only last fewer days without water. The suffering in communities that do not have potable water bodies cannot be explained as it also affects their economy. After all, would you want to be a tourist in a city without potable water? The residents of such places usually suffer and cry out for help. If it seems like they cannot get help, they begin to migrate to other places. And, no one wants their region to be deserted because there is no potable water.
2. Loss of habitat: Now, let us take away the focus from humans since humans are not the only species usually affected by water pollution. Did you know that some plants and animals live in these water bodies? Of course, the knowledge of aquatic species should be common. So, it would be disastrous when water pollution occurs, leading to loss of habitat. These species will no longer have a home, and many of them will die, especially the plants. Some animals may be lucky to migrate to other non-contaminated water bodies. However, the ecosystem gets destroyed, and it affects life’s balance.
3. Contamination of the food chain: Undoubtedly, everyone would agree that water bodies are major food chain suppliers. For example, people get their fish from water bodies. In some regions, fishes make up a majority of their meals. However, it will not be possible when water pollution occurs. What fishes will you use to make these meals when the fishes have died or migrated? These are the dangers of water pollution as it disrupts things and may even throw an entire population into hunger. Aside from the food chain, some people usually sell these fishes, so it also accepts their source of income, which is a problem.
4. Diseases: Humans can get various diseases when they drink contaminated water. These effects of water pollution should not be joked with as they can lead to death. Sometimes, people who live in communities affected by water pollution have no choice but to continue drinking from these water bodies. Thereby contacting different diseases which could eventually lead to death. Even the hospitals will get overwhelmed when there are many water pollution cases. It also takes a toll on people’s finances as they will spend more money on hospital bills. People need to avoid engaging in actions that can lead to water pollution.

Sources of water pollution

Some sources of water pollution are-

1. River dumping: Sadly, we see that many communities actively engage in river dumping. It means that they dispose of their waste into these water bodies. Suppose it could be that they are not aware of the effects of water pollution. We have highlighted these effects of water pollution above and hope people desist from river dumping as it is harmful.
2. Industries: When it comes to water pollution, industries are amongst the top that comes to mind. It is because of their contribution to water pollution over the years. So yes, industries are sources of water pollution, primarily through oil spillage. It could be intentional or accidental, as we have seen above. Therefore, there is a need for all regions to have special regulation bodies in charge of checking industries and ensuring that they are not contributing to water pollution. You will notice that there will be a drastic change when such enforcement starts.
3. Surface water: It covers about 70 percent of the earth’s surface, fills our oceans, lakes, rivers, and places every blue speck on the map. Excess water from fresh seawater sources makes up more than 60 percent of the water that is brought to our homes.
4. Sea Water: Eighty percent of the pollution of the oceans or pollution of the oceans begins in the coastal or inland. Streams and rivers carry pollutants such as chemicals, nutrients, and heavy metals that are transported from farms, factories, and cities to our harbors and river basins, and from there, to the oceans.

Summary

Water pollution can lead to many diseases and even crumble an economy if it is not curbed.

Thus, the public needs to be enlightened about the effects and dangers of water pollution. And, we have highlighted all of these in the article.

The next time you are having conversations about water pollution, highlight these issues and make people understand how water pollution works adversely.