How to reduce water pollution

[LONDONER]

1. Use less water. This might sound simplistic, but decreasing your water consumption is one of the keys to minimizing water pollution. By reducing the amount of water you use, you will reduce the amount of water that flows into sewage treatment systems.

You can decrease your water consumption by taking a shower instead of a bath, letting it mellow if it’s yellow (i.e. don’t flush the toilet every time you urinate), turning the water off while you’re brushing your teeth, and using natural landscaping so you don’t have to water your lawn.

2. Use environmentally-friendly household products. Don’t use household products that contain chemicals. Instead, use green products, like biodegradable soap and all-natural toiletries. To clean your house, stop using bleach and chemical cleaners and use vinegar instead.

3. Apply natural pesticides and fertilizers. The use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers leads to water pollution because contaminated water seeps into ground water and runs off into nearby water sources. Natural pesticides that you can use include insecticidal soap and pyrethrum. Natural fertilizers include wood ash, grass clippings, and animal manure.

4. Don’t litter. Avoid littering in rivers, lakes, and oceans. If you’re really feeling motivated, gather a group of friends and family members to clean up litter on the beach and near other bodies of water. Make sure that you dispose of the litter in an appropriate waste disposal area.

5. Dispose of toxic products with care. Make sure to dispose of toxic products, such as paints, solvents, and polishes, in the proper area. Don’t pour them down your drain. Better yet, avoid toxic products altogether and use environmentally friendly products instead.

As you can see, there are a variety of things that ordinary citizens can do to prevent water pollution. It is everyone’s responsibility to take the steps necessary to lessen water pollution and prevent it from causing further damage to our delicate ecosystems.
Personally, I decided to take an active role in preventing water pollution. While I can’t see the immediate impact of my actions, it feels great to do what’s in my power to make a difference. Taking actions to end water pollution empowers both individuals and their respective communities.

[LJay]

Hint: When mowing your lawn, it is amazing what cutting it at the highest level available can do. Taller grass shades itself, retains moisture and does not go brown as easily in the heat. We have fairly warm summers here and I have not needed to water the lawn at all for the last several years simply by keeping the grass longer. I have also given in to a few "weeds" being part of the lawn. They are cut right along with the rest of it and the result looks nice and green. This has eliminated the bother and expense of chemicals and, of course, cut down on the drainage of any of these chemicals into the water. So...what I end up with is a green lawn, no watering costs, no time spent--or money spent--on applying chemicals and the snide satisfaction of watching my neighbors wonder why their short cut yards are so brown in the summer's heat.