Similarly, tap water in the United States is treated for public safety. However, a number of individuals in the United States drink water from wells, potentially exposing them to harmful chemicals and microorganisms (Schubert, Knobeloch, Kanarek and Anderson)
Today, domestic water supplies across the world vary enormously in quality. In Great Britain, tap water (which comes from groundwater, reservoirs, and rivers) is treated, and must meet water quality standards for the removal of harmful chemicals like aluminum, lead, and nitrates, as well as reduce the levels of disease-causing microorganisms (Walker)
The irony is, human activities result is high water pollution which further shortens the water supply for use. "In an age when man has forgotten his origins and is blind even to his most essential needs for survival, water along with other resources has become the victim of his indifference" (Carson, 2002, p
Natural as well as anthropogenic activities lead to the spoilage of rivers, streams and ground water. This polluted water may also move from one place to another leading to water pollution at greater level (Chiras, 2012)
In each home of an American in New York, 99 gallons of water is an average daily requirement (Fishman, 2012). Water consumption increases by a factor of 2-3% each year while the fresh water total supply remains comparatively constant (Dowdeswell, 1996)
Water may also contain infectious pathogenic micro-organisms that may lead to water-borne disease and ultimately deaths. Parasites as well as bacteria seeping into drinking water may lead to chronic diarrhoea, severe infections of ear and stomach diseases (Duhigg, 2009)
This is because most of this water is not available for use in agriculture or for other human needs due to the presence of significant amounts of mineral salts and heavy metals that make water unfit for use. In each home of an American in New York, 99 gallons of water is an average daily requirement (Fishman, 2012)
Widder has also arranged sensors around the estuary that can provide data in real time which along with the sediment toxicity can trace the path of the pollution source. This method is far more cheap and robust than the traditional practice of taking samples to labs for purpose of analysis (Olsen, 2011)
But it meant that, in the long run, waste disposal and assimilation was no longer to be an acceptable use of water resources. " (Harrington, 2003) It is reported that the framework of the regulation of industrial point sources is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which is reported to require permits stating the effluent dischargers of wastewater into surface waters
The natural landscape of Lake Huron together with the several islands are a possible source of tourist attractions. Recreational activities as boating and swimming are sources of revenue that can be helpful in promoting economic development of the region (Bredin, 2002)
These are severe sources of pathogens that pollute the lake's water. Dysfunctional or faulty sewer systems may also contaminate running water that gets to the lake (Rose & Dreelin, 2008)
Toxic substances accumulate in the food chain through to human bodies as consumers of fish. Pollution from toxic substances, therefore, has an extended public health implications (Stephenson, 2005)
Water contamination problems are made worse due to the increased use of chemical fertilizers around the world. "Nitrates - chemicals used in synthetic fertilizers - can leach into groundwater or run off into surface waters," (Walls-Thuma, n
It is not just chemicals from fertilizers that are the problem. "Major causes of water pollution are deposition of acid, organic sewage, detergents, agricultural chemicals, industrial effluents, silt, oil and heat into the water bodies," ("Water Pollution and Plants," 2008)
Microbial contaminants kill animals as well as people. More sinister are the "contaminants like solvents, pesticides, radium and arsenic," (Wieman, n
Whether there be the proper facilities in the plant or whether the discharge stream is lined and allows for harvesting of expelled material that is beyond safe levels would be a good way to go. This would be the antithesis of situations like Flint, Michigan where lead-lined pipes are still in active use (Dolan, 2016)
Information about the types, causes, and effects of water pollution and what we can do to solve the problem.
Water pollution is a major global problem which requires ongoing evaluation and revision of water resource policy at all levels (international down to ...
Learn about the effects of pollution on freshwater from National Geographic.
Our rivers, lakes, aquifers, and coastal waters aren’t unlimited resources that can handle whatever we take out or dump in. These waters need protection. NRDC ...