The impact of water pollution
Bodies of water can become unsafe to swim, fish, and drink from
This is what happens when water pollution goes too far. Our beautiful bodies of water can become ugly to look at, useless to our fishing industry, and completely unsafe for humans to swim in. This has already happened in the past in Boston. Before cleanup projects started on the Charles River, the Charles was considered both unsafe to swim in and unsafe to fish in. The Boston Harbor was much the same, people even went as far as to call the Harbor, the "Harbor of Shame."
Reservoirs could become contaminated, making them unsafe to drink from
The Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs have been the two major sources of water in the Boston area for 2.5 million residents, 5,500 industries, and supplies about 200 million gallons a day. While these reservoirs hold no major problems when it comes to drinking from them, the fish in them could develop major health problems for consumers.
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) tests over 1,600 water samples per month to ensure safer drinking water. In fact the Boston Water and Sewer Commission was created in order to comply with the Federal and State drinking qualities. Therefore, making big drinking reservoirs like the Quabbin and Wachusett water sources with limited problems.
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) tests over 1,600 water samples per month to ensure safer drinking water. In fact the Boston Water and Sewer Commission was created in order to comply with the Federal and State drinking qualities. Therefore, making big drinking reservoirs like the Quabbin and Wachusett water sources with limited problems.
WAter pollution problems
Persistent and bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs) get into the water, killing wildlife
PBTs are toxins that can poison and even kill wildlife that inhabit bodies of water. Some examples of PBTs include pesticides, cleaning substances, industrial lubricants, and other manufactured chemicals. PBTs aren't only an issue for the wildlife that inhabit the water, as they can harm any organism that relies on those wildlife to survive. This includes humans!
This food chain shows how PBTs can affect organisms that don't live in the water. In this case, a PBT can affect a lesser organism such as shrimp or smaller fish, which then gets eaten by other larger fish. If that larger fish gets eaten by a hawk, that hawk is now at risk of getting poisoned by PBTs.
(Image source: BuildingGreen.com)
Lead getting into Drinking water
Being careful when throwing substances down drains is more important than most people think. Throwing the wrong substance, such as grease or oils, down a drain could lead to corroded pipes. These corroded pipes increase the amount of lead found in water by a substantial amount. Boston and other communities spend millions in zero-interest loans to reduce our drinking water's exposure to lead as much as possible, but water often gets exposed to lead in the pipes of homes. This means that what you throw down your drains matter.
Lead in water is a very serious issue. Exposure to lead is shown to cause brain damage in young children as well as learning and behavioral problems. Lead in drinking water also puts pregnant women at risk because it can be very harmful to unborn children.
Lead in water is a very serious issue. Exposure to lead is shown to cause brain damage in young children as well as learning and behavioral problems. Lead in drinking water also puts pregnant women at risk because it can be very harmful to unborn children.
Excess phosphorus in water
While it may not be possible to entirely rid water of phosphorus, it's still important to limit the amount as much as possible. Phosphorus helps algae grow, which can be a problem because algae tends to produce toxins. These toxins can be harmful to both the health of humans and the wildlife living in the water.