How to Save Water From Pollution

Preventing water pollution is critical for all living things.

Water is the most important element on Earth and is needed for all living things. The total amount of water on Earth always remains the same while the amount of safe, clean drinking water is slowly decreasing due to pollution. Household wastes, lawn fertilizers, and pet wastes pollute water. Rain water can carry contaminated water to a nearby lake or stream causing the pollution to spread downstream. Preventing these contaminants from polluting our water is critical to all living things. Knowing how to save water from pollution will increase the amount of safe, clean water available for future use. There are several easy things you can do to help prevent water pollution.

Instructions

1. Dispose of household wastes, oils, and other litter properly. Never put these pollutants or any other chemicals down the sink drain or in the toilet. Call your local waste management company or recycling center to find out where to take your trash and household chemicals.

2. Use household products that are safe for the environment. Purchase dish washing soap, laundry detergent, and other cleaning supplies that are eco-friendly.

3. Use little to no chemical fertilizers on your lawn or garden. Overuse can lead to water runoff carrying excess fertilizer to nearby lakes and streams. Use natural fertilizers whenever possible.

4. Add more plants to your garden to allow more water and fertilizers to be absorbed into the ground. This will decrease the amount of water runoff into lakes and streams.

5. Clean up and properly dispose of all pet wastes. This will prevent rain runoff from washing it down storm gutters, or into nearby lakes and streams.

6. Keep rivers, lakes, and oceans clean by not littering. Dispose of trash properly to prevent it from polluting these waters.

References

• Water Pollution: What Can You Do, Water Pollution

Resources

• EPA: Water Pollution Prevention & Conservation