Water Pollution
Water Pollution
Water Pollution
WATER
POLLUTION
Water pollution is the result of undesirable elements-typically chemicals or
microorganisms-entering a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other
body of water, lowering its quality and making it hazardous for people or
the environment. Water sources that have been contaminated will no
longer be suitable for swimming, cleaning, cooking, or drinking. The
pervasive issue of water pollution is endangering our well- being. More
people are killed annually by unsafe water than by war and all other types
of violence put together. Less than 1% of the freshwater on Earth is
genuinely available for human use, meaning that our supplies of drinkable
water are limited. In the absence of action, the problems will only get
worse by 2050, when it is predicted that the world's freshwater needs
would have increased by one-third.
LEARN MORE
STAND
Water pollution negatively impacts
ecosystems, human health, and the planet.
Conserving water is crucial for future
generations.
STAND
We recognize that water pollution has a terrible effect on
ecosystems, human health, and the health of our world as a
whole, and we want to solve this important issue. It is
important to conserve water for future generations, as every
drop of water matters. To preserve biodiversity and guarantee
a healthy planet, we must protect our waters. This aims to
bring us people together, instill a sense of accountability, and
spur significant changes in laws and practices. By working
together, we can guarantee sustainable and safe water
supplies.
SUPPORTING
EVIDENCE
About 70% of the world's surface water resources are used for
farming and livestock production, making the agricultural sector
the largest consumer of freshwater resources worldwide. It has also
turned into a significant source of water pollution worldwide.
Agricultural pollution is the leading cause of contamination in rivers
and streams, the second-leading cause in wetlands, and the third-
leading cause in lakes in the United States. Additionally, it plays a
significant role in groundwater and estuary contamination.
Fertilizers, pesticides, and animal manure from farms and livestock
operations contaminate our rivers with nutrients and pathogens,
including bacteria and viruses, each time it rains. The biggest threat
to water quality globally is nutrient pollution, which is brought on
by too much nitrogen and phosphorus in the air or water. This can
result in algal blooms, which are poisonous blooms of blue-green
algae that can be dangerous to both humans and wildlife.
SUPPORTING
EVIDENCE
Wastewater can also contribute to water pollution.
It originates from commercial, industrial, and
agricultural activity as well as from our toilets,
sinks, and showers. Storm water runoff is another
term for what happens when rainwater enters our
waterways from impermeable surfaces and
contains debris, chemicals, oil, and road salts.
SUPPORTING
EVIDENCE
According to the UN, more than 80% of wastewater worldwide
flows back into the environment untreated or without being
reused; in many developing nations, this percentage even
reaches 95%. About 34 billion gallons of wastewater are
processed daily by wastewater treatment plants in the United
States. Before returning the treated waters to rivers, these
facilities remove heavy metals and hazardous chemicals from.
industrial waste, as well as pathogens, phosphorus, and
nitrogen from sewage. Pollution Contaminated Water Sources:
Research by the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
has shown high levels of contamination in numerous water
sources nationwide as a result of different pollutants.
CAUSE
Industrial waste can find its way into rivers, streams, and other bodies of water
that flow straight into the sea from mining operations, manufacturing
facilities, and agricultural areas. In addition to possibly making water unfit for
human consumption, the hazardous chemicals in the waste these companies
produce can alter freshwater systems' temperatures, endangering a variety of
creatures that live in or near water.
Marine dumping is the act of discharging trash into ocean waters, precisely as
it sounds. Although it may sound absurd, several nations still gather domestic
waste and dump it into the oceans. The total decomposition of the majority of
these things can take anything from two to 200 years.
Every household releases its wastewater and sewage along with fresh water
into the sea. Both humans and animals can have health problems as a result of
the germs and pathogens present in that effluent, which produce sickness.
CAUSE
Water contamination is primarily caused by large-scale oil spills and leaks,
which are frequently unintentional. Ships or oil drilling operations in the ocean
are frequently the source of leaks and spills.