To prevent water pollution, individuals and communities can take several practical steps: At Home and Outdoors:
- Pick up litter and dispose of it properly to keep trash out of waterways and storm drains
- Avoid pouring motor oil, chemicals, or toxic substances down drains; dispose of them through proper hazardous waste collection programs
- Use phosphate-free detergents and cleaners to prevent harmful algae blooms in water bodies
- Compost food scraps instead of using garbage disposals to reduce solid waste entering water systems
- Sweep driveways and sidewalks rather than hosing them down to reduce runoff pollution
- Wash cars on grassy areas or use commercial car washes that recycle water, rather than washing on streets
- Mulch or compost yard waste instead of blowing leaves into streets or storm drains
- Avoid overusing fertilizers and pesticides; sweep any that fall on paved surfaces back onto lawns and never apply before rain to prevent runoff
Chemical and Waste Management:
- Properly dispose of medical waste and unused medicines instead of flushing them, as they can contaminate water and wildlife
- Recycle or safely dispose of household chemicals like paint, bleach, and solvents through community programs
- Maintain vehicles to prevent leaks of oil and other fluids that can contaminate water
Water Conservation and Landscaping:
- Use water-efficient fixtures like low-flow toilets and showerheads to reduce water usage and pollution from treatment processes
- Use drought-tolerant plants and native landscaping to reduce the need for irrigation and chemical use
- Plant trees and vegetation along waterways to reduce erosion and filter pollutants
Community and Lifestyle Actions:
- Report illegal dumping or pollution to local authorities to help enforce water protection laws
- Support environmental groups involved in water protection and clean-up efforts
- Reduce plastic use and switch to reusable bags and containers to decrease plastic pollution in water bodies
- Eat more organic foods and reduce meat consumption to lower chemical and nutrient runoff from agriculture
By adopting these measures, individuals can significantly reduce water pollution and protect water quality for ecosystems and human use
