POLLUTION
WATER
Article written by Min Hur
PROBLEM
Water is essential to daily life for all animals; however, the human population is increasing the severity of this issue, making it the most serious ecological threats that we face today. Water is polluted when toxic chemicals or other wastes enter into water sources; this causes a degradation in water quality, making it unusable. Water is easily polluted because it is able to dissolve substances more than any other solvent on Earth: whenever toxic chemicals enter the water streams, it is easily dissolved and mixed into the source, causing widespread water pollution. There are multiple forms of water pollution, including groundwater, surface water, ocean water, and point source water pollution.
CURRENTLY
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​Since May 2020, many people have been fighting to create a policy to ensure that people are going to get clean water. In order to fight current viruses, including the COVID-19 coronavirus strand, millions of people need access to clean water in order to prevent the quicker spread of this disease.
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Over 2.2 million people are lacking running water and currently cause many different diseases to spread much quicker than expected. Although water infrastructure is not being prioritized and governments aren’t fighting for people lacking water, individual citizens, including us, could make a difference.
TAKE ACTION
It may seem that individuals are not accountable for the current-day water pollution problem, however changes in daily activities or simple tasks could help to limit the contribution of individuals to this rising issue. Here are some simple ways you can help to prevent contamination of water:
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Reduce consumption of plastics by using metal or glass cups or recycling the used plastic
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Properly dispose of chemicals that are used in daily activities, including oils or chemical cleaners
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Use biodegradable materials as often as possible
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Speak out in support of the Clean Water Rule to help protect the drinking water of one in three Americans
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Donate clean water bottles to different less-fortunate communities
MISCONCEPTIONS
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Myth: If I don’t swallow the water, I can’t get sick
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Truth: Although swallowing polluted water is the primary way of exposure, having contact with parts of your body when you didn’t have the chance to wash them vigorously, including eating food and biting your nails, could cause pathogens to be swallowed. Cuts can also be easily infected if not washed properly. Lastly, contact with dirty water and your eyes, ear, mouth, and more can cause infections.​
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Myth: If the water isn’t brown then it must be safe.
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​Truth: Pathogens are much too small to be seen, therefore even clear water may contain pollutants. However, if the water is brown, it is a clear sign that it is polluted.
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Myth: Water pollution comes mainly from urban sources
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​Truth: Polluted urban water makes up a small amount of the pollution in waterways as urban areas only cover a small length of the total streams and rivers in New Zealand.
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Referenced Sources
