Types of Water Pollution

Water pollution is a very serious situation and one that must be addressed to save both the planet and our species. If the planet continues to lose clean water, the planet could soon die. This is statement is not intended to be a scary prediction. It is, sadly, one of the many water pollution facts.There are several different types of water pollution such as organic, toxic, nutrient, groundwater and microbiological pollutants. All of these are harmful and can ultimately be traced back to mankind. Some of these pollutants come from a point source and others come from a non-source point.One of the major causes of water pollutionis when factories and plants dump their waste into the water and the local water facility is unable to completely clean out the deadly bacteria left behind from the factory’s waste. People drink, bathe in and feed their animals this drinking water and even use it to cook. In no time, an entire city is ill and suffering from mysterious symptoms that are often not linked to the tap water.These situations are common in a highly developed society. Imagine how deadly such a situation is in a developing or third world nation. It is estimated that over 1100 children die in India each day because they must bathe in the same rivers that people are forced to defecate in.What is Point Source and Non-Source Point Pollution?
There are different types of water pollution. Point Source refers to the type of pollution that comes from a specific source. Such as the pollution that comes directly from factories such as described above. In other words, one can identify the exact source of pollution.

Non-source point pollution describes polluted runoffs such as watering crops, water from washing a car or high pressure building/sidewalk washing and rain that carries chemicals and contaminants into the ocean via drains.

How Does Water Pollution Affect People?
As stated earlier, the medical symptoms associated with pollution can manifest as nausea, headaches, muscle cramps, spasms, just to name a few. In the worst cases, it can be fatal.

The damage that pollution has on marine life is immediate and deeply destructive. It is not uncommon to see the fish of these infested waters with large tumors and odd growths.

This is not just an epidemic in the eyes of marine life activists. Such deformities are gradually wiping out the consumption of seafood. With that goes all the jobs that are associated with seafood. Before we know it, an entire seaside or lakeside village is without work and income to survive. Looking at pollution, as it impacts the world one step at a time, will quickly lead to a very gruesome picture of the planet’s future.

There is a thought amongst big corporations and industry that even though their company is polluting, there is enough water to dilute all pollutants and render them harmless. This is deadly thinking. The amount of pollution is quickly catching up to the amount of water on the planet. If there is not stop to an industry’s water polluting practices, there will be no clean water anywhere.

What Can People Do to Save the Planet?
The pollution of our rivers, lakes and oceans cannot solely be blamed on industry and big business. Individuals are to be blamed as well. Perhaps people don’t realize that it can begin with water pollution at home and how their habits are hurting the water. So, here is a little water pollution facts prevention class:

DON’T
• When picnicking or boating, do not allow your litter to wash away in the tides or fall into lakes.

• Throw oils down your drain.

• Throw paint, household chemicals, cleaning products or any other man-made chemical down your drain.

• Throw tampons, sanitary pads, diapers, anti-bacteria pads down the toilet.

• Let the tap water run while you are brushing your teeth.

DO
• Fix dripping faucets.

• Recycle as much man-made material as possible. Just about everything in a household can be recycled such as plastics, newspapers, glass and dead plants/trees.

• Opt for household cleaners that claim to be safe for the environment.

It is best to not be overly consumed with thoughts of how industry is destroying the planet and polluting our water. It is much better to be proactive in the influence you have on the planet. Each person has a tremendous impact on the planet. Working together, we can reverse the damage and save the world from the many causes of water pollution.