What Are the Major Sources of Water Pollution?

Communities and towns across the United States are major culprits of water pollution. Most of the waste water from daily use in toilets and washing machines is pumped underground. Some of this water is kept within the water system, but much of it is lost into the soil and underground waterways. The major sources of water pollution can range from daily products to materials needed for businesses and companies to operate.

Industry

Industrial contaminants are also a major source of water pollution. Companies and businesses that process harmful chemicals and products often let the polluted water flow back into rivers and streams. One very harmful example is nuclear power plants, which pumps radiated water into lakes and rivers near facilities.

Solid Waste

The continued use of solid waste such as papers and plastics are one of the most harmful additions to the water supply. Waste water treatment facilities are not set up to handle the volume of these products being placed in the water system.

Cleaning Products

Detergents and household chemicals are growing in danger to the American water system. These come from laundry machines and are dumped down the drain. Pharmaceutical drugs are also dangerous. According to the Associated Press, nearly 40 percent of the water in America is contaminated.

Highways

Drainage systems on the highways are also a major source of water pollution. Rain falls on the highways and cleans oil and auto exhaust from the pavement and flushes them into the water system.

Farms

Farms across the country also are harmful to the water supply. Pesticides and fertilizer compounds as well as hormones and antibiotics for livestock naturally flow into the ground.

Resources

• Water Pollution
• Tap Water and Drugs
• Earth Scientist on Water Pollution