As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, and evidence of waterborne pollution continues to grow, it is imperative that we take the necessary steps now to protect our drinking water. To do this, there are practical things individuals can do in their daily lives — such as:
Collecting used motor oil from vacuum pumps
Collecting used motor oil from vacuum pumps is an important way to protect our water sources from waterborne pollution. Motor oil, when improperly disposed of and allowed to enter into water ecosystems, can have lasting negative impacts. It can degrade the quality of the water, harming aquatic life and disrupting the delicate balance of any ecosystem.
Vacuum pumps are designed specifically for vacuuming out oil from engine compartments, and it is important for them to be cleaned so that the used motor oil does not eventually make its way into rivers, streams, and other bodies of water. With proper management and disposal, vacuum pump systems can play an important role in helping reduce the levels of waterborne pollution in our environment.
Water & waste treatment
Water and waste treatment play an essential role in reducing the amount of waterborne pollution. Without proper treatment, pollutants like harmful chemicals and microplastics can enter our waterways, polluting freshwater ecosystems and posing a danger to wildlife as well as humans.
Many strategies exist to maintain a safe balance between wastewater disposal and providing clean water for drinking, bathing, and recreation. These include physical treatments such as sedimentation or filtration, chemical processes such as the use of disinfectants or coagulants, or biological processes such as treating wastewater with bacteria.
By implementing efficient treatment systems that meet stringent industry standards, we can help to keep our precious water sources free from polluted runoff and other contaminants from industrial or agricultural activities.
Diverting runoff from roads
A key component of fighting waterborne pollution is diverting runoff from roads. This can be done by developing right-of-way maintenance plans that prioritize natural elements such as grass, trees, and shrubs. By doing so, runoff can be kept off the streets and away from storm drains while also providing a natural habitat for local birds, insects, and other small animals. In addition, curbside rain gardens can help to filter runoff before it enters a storm drain system.
These beautiful ecosystems offer not only an aesthetic improvement to an area but can also reduce downstream flooding by reducing the peak flow rate in urban areas. Ultimately, diverting roadside runoff leads to cleaner waterways and healthier communities for everyone.
Avoiding fertilizers with phosphates
One of the ways to help reduce the amount of pollution entering our waterways is to avoid phosphates when using fertilizers. Phosphates can be highly toxic and can disrupt the natural balance that keeps our lakes and rivers clean and healthy. While organic fertilizers do not necessarily include phosphates, it is important to make sure that any fertilizer used does not contain them.
Phosphate use has also been linked to algae blooms which can choke out other aquatic life. By making careful decisions when selecting fertilizers and taking steps to avoid phosphate-based products, we can all make an important contribution toward protecting our precious natural resources.
Inspecting septic tanks regularly
One of the primary sources of waterborne pollution is malfunctioning septic tanks, making it vitally important to inspect such tanks regularly. Without an inspector trained in detecting potential hazards, issues – ranging from bacterial growth to structural weaknesses – can easily go undiscovered until too late it’s often too late, and lead to severe contamination.
Regular inspections should be mandated for any tank that dispenses sewage into a public body of water or onto shared land. By taking the time to look for any irregularities and address any malfunctions that may arise, we can significantly reduce pollution rates now and in the future.
Disposing of hazardous materials correctly
Water pollution occurs when contaminants are released into bodies of water, often as a result of human activities and interactions. One way to help prevent this is to ensure all hazardous materials are disposed of correctly and according to the laws set forth in your jurisdiction – this simple act helps contribute to better water quality not just for us but for the environment at large. Small changes like properly disposing of hazardous materials can have a big impact if done so by enough individuals within their communities.
By taking action today with both individual responsibilities and collaborative efforts we can ensure clean drinking water for generations to come.
