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Water Pollution Control Act Article
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Sources of Water Pollution
from:Water pollution has many devastating effects on the environment and the ecosystems. There are many sources of water pollution. Water pollution is divided into two different categories that determine where the source of the pollution is coming from. Direct sources are caused by factories, refineries, and wastes treatment plants among others. These contaminants enter the water systems directly from the given source. The other type of water pollution source is an in-direct source. In-direct water pollution is a result of pollution entering the water supply as a result of run off from rains and atmospheric sources. Anything that ends up on the ground can end up in the water supply. Contaminants such as fertilizers and pesticides can be run off from the ground into nearby streams, rivers and lakes as one of the in-direct sources of water pollution. The many different sources of water pollution are further classified as being organic, inorganic, radioactive and acidic or basal.
One of the most wide spread and damaging sources of water pollution comes from massive farms and feedlots. These feedlots raise chicken, pigs and cattle by the hundreds of thousands in a relatively small amount of space. These animals produce an enormous amount of waste that must be dealt with. Much of the waste matter is absorbed into the soil where it can affect the groundwater. It also washes away during rainy times and the run off travels to nearby streams, rivers and lakes and pollutes that water system. Animal wastes and manure contain a very high amount of nitrates and phosphorus which is extremely harmful to humans. Excessive amount of nitrates in drinking water have even been linked to what is referred to as “blue baby syndrome” which causes the death of infants. Another one of the troubling sources of water pollution is industrial companies such as power plants and commercial establishments. Efforts are now being made to improve the way that wastes are disposed of and reduce the amount of harmful bacteria that is being released into the water supplies.
Additional sources of water pollution are leaky sewage systems that are old and worn out and incapable of containing the amount of toxins that flow through them. Individual homes also contribute to water pollution as a result of runoff from household cleaners, chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides. Gasoline, antifreeze, oil and pet feces are additional sources of water pollution. Steps must be taken to ensure that these types of chemicals and waste materials are disposed of properly and to prevent them from entering into the water supply and causing more pollution.
Water Pollution Control Act Specific links
Water Pollution Control Act News
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