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Five Ways You Can Help Reduce Water Pollution
As the rainy season approaches Southern California, I am reminded the Surfrider Foundation strongly recommended avoiding swimming or surfing after rainfall. Urban runoff and leaking sewer pipes can drastically increase water pollution, posing significant health risks. Surfers, for instance, should ideally wait 72 hours before returning to the water. During this period, the ocean may harbor disease-causing organisms, and viruses are the top culprits behind swimming-associated illnesses.
Although surfing and enjoying the ocean are meant to be fun, the thought of contracting viruses that cause gastroenteritis, hepatitis, respiratory illness, or ear, nose, and throat infections damper the experience. And that’s not all. When you consider the “Toxic Cocktail” of pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals flushed into our oceans via urban runoff, jogging on the beach is a much better alternative.
What Can We Do About the Problem?
Like many people, I realized I’d been passively accepting the situation rather than actively trying to change it. It’s time to address water pollution head-on. Whether you live near the coast or far inland, it’s essential to recognize that most Americans live within a mile of a river or stream. As American Rivers points out, all our drinking water comes from these bodies, directly or indirectly—and they’re also vulnerable to pollution.
Below are five actionable steps you can take to help reduce water pollution. Even if you don’t live by the ocean, your daily actions have ripple effects on the health of our waterways.
- Use Less Water
This one is simple yet powerful. The less water you use, the less strain you put on sewage systems, reducing the chance of overflow and pollution. From fixing leaks to using water-efficient appliances, every drop saved helps. Reducing water usage in your landscape is particularly impactful. Installing drought-tolerant plants, using drip irrigation systems, and ensuring proper irrigation schedules can all contribute to using less water, which ultimately helps reduce pollution from runoff. Less water in our sewage systems means fewer pollutants reaching rivers, streams, and oceans.
- Participate in Cleanups
One direct way to combat water pollution is by participating in beach, river, or stream cleanups. These organized events help remove trash and debris before it can wash into waterways. Whether litter on the beach or plastic caught in riverbeds, each piece of trash removed prevents it from polluting water sources. Ocean Conservancy reports that beach cleanups alone have removed millions of pounds of trash, including harmful plastics that would otherwise end up in the ocean, harming marine life and ecosystems.
- Mulch and Compost Instead of Bagging Lawn Clippings
Opt for a mulching mower instead of bagging grass clippings when you mow your lawn. A mulching mower recycles the grass clippings back into the lawn, where they decompose and provide nutrients to the soil. This method reduces the amount of waste and prevents clippings from washing into storm drains, which can contribute to nutrient pollution in water systems. When too much organic material enters waterways, it can cause algal blooms, which deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life. Or better yet check out one of the Husqvarna automowers that returns small clipping of grass back to your yard.
Additionally, consider composting your yard waste. By using a compost bin or barrel, you can turn leaves, twigs, and grass into rich, organic material that enhances your garden while reducing the risk of stormwater pollution. Composting reduces the amount of organic material that ends up in landfills and keeps waste from being washed into waterways during heavy rains.
- Dispose of Yard Waste Properly
While mulching and composting are ideal, not all lawn clippings or debris can be used this way. If you can’t mulch or compost, ensure that you properly dispose of your yard waste. Never leave grass clippings or leaves on sidewalks, driveways, or streets, where they can easily get washed into storm drains. Instead, sweep them up and add them to your compost or place them in proper disposal bins for yard waste. Keeping organic material out of the streets reduces the risk of pollutants reaching streams and rivers.
- Reduce Chemical Use in Your Yard
One significant contributor to water pollution is the runoff of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in landscaping. These chemicals not only affect the health of waterways but can also endanger aquatic life. Consider reducing or eliminating chemical use in your yard by opting for organic alternatives or integrated pest management practices. Using native plants that require fewer inputs and less water is another great way to reduce pollution. Choosing sustainable landscaping techniques can help prevent toxic chemicals from being washed into waterways during rainstorms.
Small Changes, Big Impact
It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of environmental issues, but small, consistent actions can make a big difference in reducing water pollution. By using less water, participating in cleanups, composting yard waste, and reducing chemical use in our gardens, we can all contribute to cleaner waterways and healthier ecosystems. Not one person can make a significant impact on their own, but if each of us takes steps to reduce pollution, we can create a more sustainable environment.
Do you have any other tips to reduce water pollution? Please share them in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going. Happy surfing—or maybe jogging on the beach!
