How to AVOID WATER POLLUTION - 10 tips

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Water is one of the most precious natural assets that the planet and our societies need. In fact, one of the most urgent problems that we are going to have to face in the coming decades is that related to access to drinking water, since the degradation of aquifers, as well as droughts and torrential rains (direct consequences of climate change) threaten access to fresh water, both for humans and for terrestrial ecosystems.

Because of this, it is essential that we urgently take action, not only to prevent this process of water contamination from continuing, but to make it possible to reverse the damage already caused and rebuild ecosystems damaged by human action. In Green Ecologist we present ten basic and simple ways to how to avoid water pollution and manage to preserve this fundamental natural resource.

Prohibition of polluting chemical and physical products

One of the most important tasks when it comes to prevent water pollution happens because from the Public Administrations the use of both products that pollute water is prohibited, whether they are chemical or physical.

It is necessary that these initiatives come from the competent authorities, since many citizens are not aware of the danger that these products pose to both aquifers and seawater. In this sense, a good example of products that are harmful to water would be Pesticides used indiscriminately in extensive agriculture, as well as microplastics, which end up in the drains of our houses and, finally, in the oceans.

Use clean and renewable energy

Some of the most dangerous pollutants in our waters are those derived from oil. In this sense, another of the measures to avoid water contamination is to make a transition to cleaner energy and respectful with the environment would serve to avoid the presence of these pollutants in the different ecosystems. So it is in the hands of governments, companies and citizens to use more these renewable and clean energies and leave behind those that are highly polluting.

Treatment and purification of gray water

Likewise, another of the problems presented by the Water contamination is largely due to the grey waters not treated. Greywater is all household wastewater. On many occasions, these waters are dumped directly into the rivers, which causes their contamination, as well as the subsequent contamination of the seas where they flow. Thus, another of the tips to avoid water contamination is to purify the waters before they are returned to the environment. This, in addition, provides water that, although it is not drinkable, it does serve to irrigate green and agricultural areas.

To learn more about it and about the techniques to decontaminate water in general, not just gray water, we recommend this video from our YouTube channel about water decontamination and how contaminated water is purified.

Pursue and avoid overexploitation of aquifers

Another problem of water pollution is due to overexploitation of aquifersespecially in agricultural settings. This overexploitation ends up causing the aquifers to dry up, which entails damage to the entire environment, not only at the agricultural level, but also damage to the biodiversity of the ecosystem.

Therefore, one of the ways to avoid water contamination It is to avoid this overexpilation and to pursue it, especially when it is done illegally, so governments must intervene again.

Responsible use of water

While it is true that it does not reduce water pollution, use water responsibly allows this natural resource to be consumed more efficiently, which in turn has a positive impact on society and the environment as a whole. In this sense, we would have to take into account such everyday elements as showering instead of bathing, turning off the tap while brushing our teeth, not turning on the dishwasher until it is full, etc. Thus, in addition, reduces the volume of gray water.

Using natural soaps and cleaning products

Currently, we have at our disposal a wide range of organic products, both for home and personal use. These ecological cleaning products and soaps They are formulated from natural ingredients, which means that, when their components reach the environment, they disappear without causing great damage to the environment as they are biodegradable products.

In this other Green Ecologist article we teach you how to make homemade soap without caustic soda, an element that pollutes water and the environment in general.

Avoid consuming products with many packaging

What else can be done to prevent water pollution? Another good option to add to the list is reduce packaging since, especially plastics, are materials that pollute the waters and that take decades to disappear.

In this sense, a reduction in heavily packed products helps reduce the impact that this type of consumption has on water. A good starting point is through use reusable bags at the grocery store and by buying food in bulk.

Recycle oils and heavy metals

So much the oils What heavy metals, such as the mercury present inside batteriesThey are two of the elements that have the most polluting capacity in the environment. For this reason, it is essential that we never throw oil down the drain or the batteries or electronic devices in the trash. Instead, we must take them to a clean point or a recycling container, where they will be properly treated to avoid the environmental damage they cause.

Consume more vegetables and less animal products

One of the most polluting industries in general, and water in particular, is the livestock industry. This industry produces a big waste of waterIt is calculated that, to obtain 1 kilo of meat, it will be necessary to consume at least 7,000 liters of water. While in the case of 1 kilo of rice the consumption will be reduced to approximately 2,000 liters of water.

In addition, the livestock industry is responsible for producing a large amount of polluting wasteTherefore, a lower consumption of animal feed will considerably reduce water pollution.

Awareness and education to avoid water pollution

To end these tips on how to avoid water pollution We mention awareness and education. This aspect is essential when dealing with any matter related to the conservation of the environment. It is one of the most important aspects because it is the starting point of any action aimed at conserving it, including also what is related to water pollution.

Many people are not truly aware that, with small gestures, we can avoid very important damage to our water resources and ecosystems. Raising awareness in society, and educating it so that it knows how it has to act in each case, we will be able to reduce in a more than considerable way the contamination of the water, both the one destined for human consumption and the one necessary for the terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to avoid water pollution, we recommend that you enter our Pollution category.