Sometimes, people take for granted the fact that, when they turn the faucet on to get a drink, their water will be clean and healthy. However, the several types of water pollution today often put water quality at risk. Sources of water pollution are just one of the many environmental issues that plague the planet today, but they can be some of the most serious. In fact, if not treated, they could directly cause all kinds of illnesses and other problems. So if you want to avoid contributing to dangerous trends, you should take the time to find out more about water pollution and how to prevent it.
Every year, more than three million tons of toxic chemicals are released into the air and land by factories in the U.S. Much of that waste ends up in water sources and can damage ecosystems and make it risky to take a drink. On top of that, an estimated 14 million pounds of garbage end up getting dumped into the ocean throughout the course of a year. That has contributed to the shocking island made up entirely of garbage floating around in the Pacific. Obviously, improper waste disposal is one of the most common types of water pollution that needs to be reduced to make sure water quality remains high.
Unfortunately, the way that the foods we eat are grown can also contribute to contaminating water sources. One of the most common types of water pollution stems from pesticides that work their way into water systems. According to estimates, Americans use 2.2 billion pounds of pesticides annually and more than 100 ingredients have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and gene mutations. As a result, some going green organizations are working hard to try to get rid of pesticides altogether in an effort to ensure that water remains clean.
Though the overall problems might seem overwhelming, especially considering the fact that major corporations are often to blame for severe problems, there are things you can do to keep water, and the environment as a whole, clean. The importance of recycling can’t be overstated, especially since, throughout the year, the average office employee throws away some 360 pounds of paper that could easily be recycled. Simply choosing to recycle, rather than throw items in the garbage, can go a long way towards reducing waste and keeping water sources clean.
Doing some research to find more information the different types of water pollution and getting some eye-opening water conservation facts is smart if you want to learn new ways to help your environment. Though it might take some time, learning how to go green could make the difference between getting a refreshing drink of water and pouring a glass full of toxins and contaminants.
