The contamination of lakes, oceans, aquifers, groundwater (water bodies) due to inappropriate activities of humans is called water pollution.

Causes:

  •  Disposal of untreated wastewater into natural reservoirs of water.

  •  Junking of solid waste and garbage in water bodies.

  • Discharge of industrial waste into water.

  • Ocean and seawater get polluted due to spilled oil from tankers and ships.

  •  Acid rain is also a source of water pollution.

Harmful effects:

  • It causes the death of organisms living in water bodies.

  • The food chain is disrupted due to the death of small fishes because big fishes and humans depend on them for their food requirements.

  • Poisoned seafood can cause different diseases in humans like hepatitis and cholera.

  • Ecosystems can be destroyed by water pollution.

  • The availability of safe drinking water is reduced.

Precautionary measures:

  •  Don’t allow fats and oil during cooking and washing plates to go down the sink.

  • Don’t flush medicines or drugs down the toilet.

  • Don’t use toilets as wastebaskets.

  • Use less amount of detergent and bleaches while washing clothes or dishes.

  • Lower the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Don’t dispose of these into sanitary systems.

  • Don’t dispose of motor oil and other fluids of automotive in the sanitary system

  • Re-use plastic bags as much as possible. In this way, there will be less plastic that will end up in water bodies.

  •  Follow the laws made to control water wastage and pollution.

  •  Drains should be cleaned regularly.

  • Dead bodies should not be thrown in rivers.

  • Petroleum shouldn’t be mixed in water.

  • Some algae and plants are helpful to keep the water clean. They should be grown in water bodies.

  • There should be proper sewage facilities.

  • Awareness should be created in people about wastage of water.

  • Pollutants should be converted into non-toxic substances.

  • Toxic substances should be removed from the water before its disposal into water bodies.

  • Laws should be made and forced on industries to treat water before its disposal.

  • People should clean canals, lakes, and rivers near them. Community clean-up projects should be encouraged.