Water pollution is an issue, but it's not an unsolvable issue. There are ways we can help end water pollution together:
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Ways the city can helpInstalling stormwater netsStormwater nets are a cheap and effective way to prevent waste from getting into water reserves. The city of Kwinana in Australia installed stormwater nets, and the manufacture, installation, and the work required to use the nets only costed the city $20,000 throughout 5 months! On top of this, it reduced manual labor on the part of city workers by a substantial amount!
PERSONAL WAYS YOU CAN HELP!Pick up litterWhenever it storms, water runoff forms. This runoff can pick up and carry anything left on the ground, whether that be chemicals or physical objects. By picking up litter and using trash bins/recycling bins, you can help limit the harmful effect of storm water runoff.
don't pour unsafe chemicals down drainsAny chemicals that shouldn't be dumped down a drain should be disposed of in a safe manner. This includes things like motor oil, anything that could be corrosive, and any powders or salts. You should always look for a safe way to dispose of unsafe chemicals, as most towns and cities provide locations or services where chemicals can be disposed of safely.
Pouring unsafe substances down drains can lead to corroded pipes, which can increase the amount of lead in your drinking water. |
Better maintenance of pipes and sewersCorrosion in pipes is a huge contributor to lead getting in water. Corroded pipes should be replaced as soon as possible to reduce the amount of lead in our water by as much as possible. On top of this, proper maintenance and modernization of sewer systems can help prevent sewer overflows, which contribute to water pollution.
You don't have to target a company or government to help make change! There are many ways you can make change on your own!
Use products like fertilizer in a safer wayProducts such as fertilizer can contribute to water pollution. Chemicals in the fertilizer can be harmful towards the wildlife living in bodies of water. If you use fertilizer, you should ensure that it stays on your grass. If it gets onto a road, driveway, or sidewalk, you should do your best to sweep it back onto your grass to avoid it getting swept away by runoff.
try to Solidify then dispose of spills rather than hosing it down drains with waterIt's recommended to clean up large spills by using dissolvent rather than simply trying to wash it down a floor drain. Solidifying a spill using an absorbent (widely available in stores) then disposing of it through the garbage helps prevent water pollution.
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