What Are the Main Causes of Water Pollution in the US?

What are the main causes of water pollution? One of the biggest sources of water pollution is runoff from agricultural operations. However, there are many causes of water pollution in America. So what are the facts and myths about water pollution in the US? How much water pollution is in the US? Keep reading to learn more about water pollution in the US.

What is water pollution?

When harmful substances such as chemicals or microorganisms contaminate a body of water water pollution occurs. As a result, the water quality is degraded and it becomes toxic to humans and or the environment. Water is easily polluted as it's able to dissolve more substances than any other liquid on earth¹. Some of the most common types of water contamination are agricultural, sewage and wastewater, oil pollution, and radioactive substances. Water pollution can have serious effects on human health and the environment. While some may place the blame for water pollution on oil companies or other companies, we should all be held accountable. There are ways that we can prevent water pollution such as reducing plastic consumption or properly disposing of non-biodegradable items.

How do humans affect water pollution?

Individuals and industries contribute to water pollution every day. While most industrial sites are regulated, some may lack a proper waste management system. Industrial sites are a major contributor to water pollution worldwide. However, it’s not just industries polluting water, it’s individuals and humans too. There are a number of ways humans can reduce water pollution on a daily basis. And it’s critical we do so. Just a few ways we can reduce water pollution are to avoid flushing trash, pick up after pets, and maintain your car.

What are 10 causes of water pollution?

Water pollution is caused by a number of sources. Even though we know how water pollution happens, it’s still happening. While we may never be able to eliminate water pollution from occurring, we should do everything we can to prevent it. In your daily life there are ways you can reduce water pollution. In addition, you should spread the word. So what are 10 causes of water pollution? Let’s take a look. . .

#1. Runoff from agricultural operations Industrial agriculture operations are known for causing water shortages and water pollution. Crop production and livestock often produce mass amounts of water and waste that contribute to both issues. Nitrates are a common ingredient in fertilizer that can cause serious harm to babies if present in drinking water. Animal waste comes along with livestock and often gets washed away during rainstorms causing pollution. These are just a few ways that agriculture contributes to water pollution.

#2. Industrial waste Sadly, industrial waste is very common. While we try to regulate it, many sites produce waste in the form of pollutants and toxic chemicals. Industrial waste that is not treated properly may pollute freshwater systems that it connects with. In some cases, waste may not even be treated at all.

#3. Runoff and nonpoint source pollution Rain or melted snow can transport chemicals or pollutants and contaminate waters. Chemicals used to kill weeds or salt from the road can easily end up in water from runoff.

#4. Global warming Another negative effect of global warming is water pollution. Global warming can cause water temperatures to rise resulting in the death of some water animals. Large die-offs can cause pollution in the water supply.

#5. Marine dumping Garbage is dumped right into our ocean every day. While this might seem sad and crazy, it’s the truth. During the 200 years or so it may take for these items to decompose they are polluting waters and killing off ecosystems.

#6. Oil spills and leaks Accidental oil spills occur more often than they should, making this a major cause of water pollution. Oil drilling operations or ships that transport oil are often the source of major oil spills. Oil simply does not dissolve in water, thus making these two substances that do not mix well.

#7. Vehicle emissions There are a number of ways that vehicles contribute to water pollution. As we mentioned earlier, individuals should make sure their vehicle is properly maintained to prevent water pollution. Vehicle emissions can settle to the surface and be transported into our waters via rainwater or melted snow. In addition, if a vehicle is leaking oil, that too can settle and cause water pollution.

#8. Leaking sewers Leaking sewers are another major source of water pollution. Sewer systems can overflow, thus allowing the contents to enter water before treatment. According to the EPA², there are about 40,000 sewer overflows per year. Sewer overflows can cause water pollution and beach closures.

#9. Hazardous waste sites According to USGS, there are 20,000+ uncontrolled hazardous waste sites in the nation. With age, barrels and containers can leak causing water pollution. Contaminants can pollute groundwater by seeping through cracks in floors or other barriers.

#10. Industrial activities Industrial activities such as mining or fossil fuel burning can cause water pollution. Industrial activities often drain waste into freshwater supplies and increase the number of minerals in water. MInerals can change the color and temperature of water. Some industrial sites may treat wastewater, but oftentimes it's not free of bacteria and other viruses as it should be.

What is the main cause of water pollution?

Industrial waste and agriculture are major contributors of water pollution. While the human population continues to grow we need an increasing amount of resources. As a result, water pollution seems to be increasing. Agriculture uses much of the earth’s surface water supply in addition to being a major source of pollution. In addition to industrial waste and agriculture, sewage and wastewater is also a major cause of water pollution. Over 80% of the world’s wastewater flows back into the environment untreated³.

Where is water pollution the worst in the US?

Texas has one of the worst public water ratings in the United States. Texas has small rural communities where resources are scarce. Within these small communities you can find some of the most polluted water systems⁴.

What is water pollution and its effects?

When a body of water becomes contaminated, water pollution occurs. Water is a critical resource for our survival. From hydrating our bodies to growing crops, we need water. When water is polluted it affects the health of humans, ecosystems, and our food chain.

What are the four major water pollutants?

Water pollution has 4 main categories - pathogens, inorganic compounds, organic material, and macroscopic pollutants.

Pathogens Examples of pathogens are bacteria or viruses. You are probably familiar with E. Coli which is a type of pathogen that can contaminate water.

Inorganic compounds Inorganic compounds usually consist of mercury, copper, arsenic, and so on. Inorganic compounds may be harmless in small concentrations. However, in large concentrations they can be very harmful.

Organic material Organic materials have carbon in their makeup. MTBE is a frequently detected organic chemical that can take years to remove from contaminated water systems.

Macroscopic pollutants Macroscopic pollutants are visible items such as trash or nurdles.

What are the long term effects of water pollution?

The long term effects of water pollution are devastating. Water pollution can cause diseases and kill people. In addition, it can disrupt food chains and kill ecosystems. If we do not find ways to eliminate water pollution we are jeopardizing a very valuable natural resource.

What percent of US water is polluted?

Nearly 80% of the world’s wastewater is dumped, untreated, into the environment, causing water pollution in bodies of water⁵.

What percent of water pollution in the US is caused by humans?

Whether it’s intentional or not, all Americans contribute to water pollution every day. Simply washing dishes or brushing teeth can cause water pollution as the water washes down the drain and goes to its next stop. On average per day and per household, Americans use about 300 gallons of water.

When did pollution become a concern?

Around the 19th century, water pollution was a known problem in urban areas. As populations grow and industrialization spreads, pollution becomes a bigger and bigger universal problem.

What is the main reason that water pollution has decreased in the United States since the 1950s?

Since the 1950’s regulations have been placed on surface water pollution outputs of agriculture, mining, and industrial sites. These regulations have helped reduce the amount of water pollution in the United States⁶. The EPA is responsible for monitoring regulations.

How can we help prevent water pollution in the US?

While one individual cannot stop water pollution, we can help prevent it. The less water we use, the less chance of pollution occurs. Trying to conserve water is one way that we can help prevent water pollution in the US. There are so many ways we can conserve water on a daily basis such as turning off the faucet when not in use, taking shorter showers, and using the dishwasher rather than hand washing dishes. Another way we can prevent water pollution is to pick up trash.

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Sources:

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1. nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know#whatis↩
2. epa.gov/region1/sso/enforcement.html↩
3. unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/water/wwap/wwdr/2017-wastewater-the-untapped-resource/↩
4. multipure.com/purely-social/science/top-10-states-worst-public-water-ratings-united-states/↩
5. unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000247553_eng↩
6. study.com/academy/answer/what-is-the-main-reason-that-surface-water-pollution-has-largely-decreased-in-the-u-s-since-1950.html↩