Did you know that only 3% of Earth’s water is freshwater and that only 1.2% of that is drinkable? This makes every source of water very precious to us!
Unfortunately, much of our potable water is contaminated, which makes it not ideal to drink or cook with.
So what contaminates water? And how can you do your part in keeping the earth clean?
Read on to find out!
What Is Contaminated Water?
First off, what constitutes “contaminated” water? It’s anything added to water that affects its ability to be used. This can also affect the surrounding ecosystem, such as a contaminated river causing the wildlife to be poisoned or the plants to die.
What Contaminates Water?
The above definition is a bit vague when it comes to contaminated water. What exactly can make the water not potable?
Here are a few things you might find in contaminated water:
- Microorganisms
- Viruses
- Pyrogens
- Dissolved inorganic ions (i.e. calcium, fluoride, sulfates, and nitrates)
- Dissolved organic compounds (i.e. alcohol, pesticides, herbicides, and detergents)
- Dissolved gases (i.e. nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen)
- Suspended particles (i.e. sand, clay, and silt)
How You Can Decrease Water Contaminants
To decrease water contaminants, you should know what activities can contaminate water. Below are some common ones you should be aware of.
Disposal of Toxic Chemicals
Have you painted your house recently? Or have you just done a deep clean with lots of heavy-duty chemicals?
Either way, you need to properly dispose of your chemicals!
Don’t flush these things down the toilet or throw them into the regular trash. Instead, take them to a recycling center or community collection centers, or drop-off points. This ensures your toxic chemicals are properly disposed of.
Disposal of Fat and Grease
Have you been just flushing fat and grease down your kitchen sink after you cook? Then you’ve been inadvertently contributing to water contamination!
Instead, keep a glass jar to pour your fat and great into after cooking. Then, dispose of the jar in your regular trash once it’s full.
Use Phosphate-Free Products
Phosphates are often found in detergents and dish cleaners. So take a look at the products you’re using now and see if there are phosphates in there.
If there are, switch to more eco-friendly products. Or if you aren’t able to, use them sparingly to cut down on contaminants in water.
Sump Pumps
If you have a septic tank, get it pumped regularly. Otherwise, it can get backed up.
You’ll also want to check your sump pump to ensure it drains correctly.
Have a look here to learn more.
Do Your Part in Keeping Water Clean
Now that you know what contaminates water, you can be responsible and do your part in keeping water clean.
From disposing of your toxic chemicals and fat/grease correctly to checking your sump pump and using phosphate-free products, there are many ways you can be ecologically responsible!
For more eco-friendly articles, keep browsing our blog page!