Various simple and implementable ways can be used to limit the pollution of water resources. These actions can be taken individually or collectively and must be done repeatedly to reduce the impacts on the water systems. Some individuals believe that harmful substances or pollutants normally disappear once discharged into water.

 

Before we start pointing fingers at those we think have greatly contributed towards polluting water, it is advisable to have a look on the inside. Each one of us has contributed in one way or another to polluting the environment. Having done this, therefore, puts us into a better position of implementing some changes within ourselves, which may turn into a revolution: ensuring there is a combined effort in discharging the wastes towards the right places. 

Here are the top 24 simple and easily implementable ways to counter water pollution.

 

1. Keeping out oils, fat, or grease from the sink. Desist from pouring cooking oil, fat, or grease down the kitchen sink. Instead, keep a jar that collects all the fats, grease or oil then discard it as solid waste.

2. Abstain from flushing contaminated liquids, pills, drugs, or medications. These substances contain scores of toxic materials that destroy the quality of natural water systems. Instead, we should use the recommended disposal methods as per the prescription of the product. 

3. Desist from using the toilet as a bin. Most people discard dusted clothes, paper wastes, synthetic materials, and wrappers in the toilet. The  destructive elements of these materials may finally end up in the oceans, lakes, or rivers. Desisting from this habit can considerably prevent water pollution.

4. Ensure minimal use of bleach or detergents. During laundry or cleaning cutleries, it is vital to minimize the use of bleach and detergents. Instead, you can embrace only using phosphate-free detergents and soaps.

5. Reduce the use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Excessive use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers leads to water pollution as the chemicals contained in the products often find their way into the water systems through penetration of surface runoff. Minimizing their usage or using organic methods for pests, weed, and disease control can appreciably reduce water pollution.

6. Proper sewage treatment and management. Proper sewage treatment is required to limit the number of toxic substances that normally end up in water systems such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. Also, individual homes that use septic tanks or cellar drains need to ensure proper management of their home sewage to avoid pollution in our communities.

7. Dispose of trash properly. When the trash is not disposed of properly some of the non-degradable products such as diapers and sanitary towels may end up destroying the process of sewage treatment, especially when they are flushed down the toilet. At times, poor disposal of solid non-degradable materials such as plastics normally ends up littering the beaches and river banks.

8. Avoid direct dumping into water systems. By all means possible, we should desist from disposing of rubbish or any other waste products into lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. Still, you can do your best to clean your local water body whenever you notice rubbish littering the beaches or banks.

9. Always conserve water. Play an active role in reducing water pollution by conserving water at all times. You can achieve this by ensuring the taps are always turned off when they are not in use. Conserving water reduces the amount of contaminated water that needs to be treated.

10. Insist on using environmentally safe products. Whenever you purchase household products such as cleaning material, medical supplies, paints, insect/ant repellants, or chemical substances; always persist in obtaining and using products that are less harmful to the environment.

11. Practice tree planting. Planting trees reduce the speed of surface water runoff and as such lessens erosion and prevents toxic substances and chemicals from washing into water systems. If you live next to a water body, please take this initiative today and plant trees and vegetation covers such as flowers, grass, and shrubs.

12. Re-use automobile oil as much as possible and keep your vehicle well maintained. Re-using automobile oil reduces the amount of used oil that is discarded which may end up polluting water bodies. Also, it is essential to keep your vehicle well maintained to prevent the leakage of deadly fluids like oil and antifreeze.

13. Support green-oriented companies. These are the companies that take creative initiatives to reduce water pollution. For instance, some green cleaning product companies make the packaging materials by using recycling plastics collected from the oceans. Also, some sewage treatment firms now clean wastewater without the use of chemicals. Supporting and using the services of such companies will be of great help in reducing water pollution.

14. Use super energy-saving washing machines. When purchasing washing machines, ensure you buy energy-star-approved washing equipment which can save energy and up to 60 liters of water. Eventually, it reduces the amount of wastewater that needs treatment.

15. De-clog your drains naturally. The typical drain cleaners contain several noxious chemicals such as sodium hydroxide. You can instead, use natural methods such as pouring equal portions of white vinegar, boiling water, and baking soda and let it stay in the drain for 30 minutes before rinsing.

16. Avoid the use of plastics. Plastic leftovers such as used plastic water bottles, disposable plastic plates, and plastic bags frequently end up in the oceans, lakes, streams, and rivers, contaminating natural habitats and destroying aquatic life.

17. Dispose of motor oil, batteries, or antifreeze at specially assigned collection points. Ensure every time you want to dispose of used engine oil, batteries, or antifreeze you do so at designated collection points to avoid the unnecessary contamination of ecosystems that may end up polluting water.

18. Keep your boat well maintained if you have one or are in charge of any. Ensure your boat is in good condition at all times to avoid toxic substances like oil, from leaking into the water, and also ensure proper disposal of waste in the boat.

19. Only wash when you have a full load. By washing only when you have full loads of laundry and dishware, you can save tons of water while also reducing the amount of contaminated water that has to be treated.

20. Pick up pet waste. Pet waste might contain harmful bacteria which can flow into storm drains and contaminate water systems.

21. Practice organic farming. Organically grown crops reduce the number of herbicides and pesticides used in farming. It also promotes the use of organic fertilizer which promotes natural growth and eliminates the use of toxic chemicals found in synthetic fertilizers, which can penetrate the ground and pollute water.

22. Contact the local water protection and conservation authority whenever you notice any pollution activities. Take the initiative of promptly contacting the relevant local water conservation office when you notice any kind of pollutant or chemical being discharged or injected into water bodies.

23. Install water-efficient household appliances. In our homes, we have several appliances used for cleaning and sanitary purposes such as dishwashers, washing machines, toilets, and showerheads. When we persist in installing these types of appliances that are water-efficient, we end up saving millions of liters of water that would have been contaminated. When one wants to install any of these products, first, look at their water efficiency rating.

24. Take action by actively participating in water pollution prevention. One can make monetary contributions or donations to water conservation agencies. Also, you can actively sensitize your peers and community on how to prevent water pollution and how they can ensure water conservation.

Water pollution is becoming more prevalent over the world as a result of government negligence and public illiteracy. The issue of water contamination should concern not only the government but all members of society. As a result, people and governments should work together to solve the world's greatest challenge. Nonetheless, water is a critical resource on the planet, and it must be maintained clean and safe.

 As we all know, “Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.” We have to save water. We must keep the water clean. If everyone takes responsibility for water pollution, then it will be easy to get clean and healthy drinking water. Clean water is a must for the survival of all species. Small steps by every individual can make a huge difference in controlling water pollution. Indeed, crediting the words of Rashida Costa: Words are from lips; actions are from the heart.