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P revention of water pollution

How to avoid water pollution is of great importance, in any field, from governments to
individuals and society as a whole. Currently, the availability of this resource is becoming
increasingly complex and measures must be considered to ensure that it is used in the
best possible way.
It is estimated that worldwide, water scarcity affects more than 2 billion people. These
are surprising figures that should be taken into account to reduce the actions that
pollute water, understand the situation and do everything possible to make a change
and put it to good use.

What is water pollution?

World Water Day is approaching, which is commemorated on March 22, and it is necessary
to observe and reflect on the sustainability problems related to this liquid. But to begin to
understand, it is necessary to understand the concept of pollution and what it implies.

Contaminated water is generated when it undergoes changes in its composition that

render it unusable. It is then that this element can become toxic, and is no longer
suitable for use in activities, much less for human consumption.

Among the main water pollutants are parasites, pesticides, fertilizers, nitrates, phosphates,
pharmaceuticals, plastics, radioactive substances, bacteria and fecal waste.

Actions that pollute water and their consequences

Although there are situations that contaminate water in a "natural" way, such as the
filtration of certain minerals, most of the actions or situations that ruin this liquid are due
to human factors, among them are:

• Fuel spills and leaks.

• Plastics from human activities.

• Garbage and raw sewage reaching the seas and rivers.

• Dumping of chemical waste derived from agricultural, industrial and livestock

activities.
• As a consequence of all of the above, contaminated water can lead t o the
appearance of various diseases, from diarrhea to dysentery, cholera and typhoid.

Similarly, there are other effects, such as shortages and the alarming fact that more and
more people have no access to drinking water, which leads to deaths.

Likewise, the lack of availability causes demand to grow and, consequently, the cost of
accessing the little potable water that remains is much higher, resulting in higher prices for
products that require water for their production.

In addition, the lack of water in some regions has resulted in soils becoming desert-like
and the high cost of products that require water to produce them.

How to avoid water pollution?

Having clear what water pollution is and the different effects that are generated with the
lack of this resource, it is necessary that you can do everything possible so that, during its
use, the contamination of this vital element is avoided.

Some of the actions you can consider are:

• Opt for the use of clean energies. For example, with the use of this type of energy, the
pollution generated is much lower, being the use of solar panels a great alternative to
take into account.
• Turn off the light when you are not using it. For now, most of the energy that reaches
homes originates from the use of fossil fuels, avoid using it when you are not using it.
• Use water responsibly. Actions such as turning off the tap, taking a quick shower
and maintaining household plumbing can make a difference and prevent
unnecessary contamination of water.
• Use biodegradable cleaning products. These are less polluting than other
alternatives, since they return organically to the environment.
• Recycle containers. Especially if they are made of any material such as aluminum,
glass or plastic, since different resources are used in their manufacture.
• Educate yourself and be aware of the issue. This is also an important point,
especially if you know that you must take care of water, you will not do actions
that compromise it and you can be an agent of change in your social circle.