Simple Steps to Prevent Water Pollution
Ranked #115 in Healthy Living, #2,844 overall
Preventing Water Pollution Begins At Home
Preventing pollution of our waterways is everyone's responsibility. Our oceans, lakes, rivers and streams are suffering from industrial waste and unhealthy farming methods.
"But," you say, "I don't contribute to industrial waste and I don't farm. Why is this my problem?"
On this page I'll show why it's everyone's problem and suggest ways that everyone, no matter where they live, can help save our natural waterways.
This photo is used with permission through Creative Commons. It's by Flickr photographer Steven.Buss.
Water Pollution in Photographs
It's not a pretty picture.
Water pollution is not just a problem in the United States. It's a world-wide problem but we can all be part of the solution.
How Much Water Are We Using?
Source: United States EPA
These examples of the amount of water we use for our various daily needs are astounding if you think of them in terms of a gallon of milk.
The average American uses 140 to 150 gallons of water per day!
- To flush a toilet - 5 to 7 gallons
- To run a dishwasher - 15 to 25 gallons
- To wash dishes by hand - 20 gallons
- To water a small lawn - 35 gallons
- To take a shower - 25 to 50 gallons
- To take a bath - 50 gallons
- To wash a small load of clothes in a washing machine - 35 gallons
- To brush teeth with the water running continuously - 2 to 5 gallons
Dirty Beaches Inspire Found Art & Graffiti...
Junk is junk is junk...
This link to a recent article on Treehugger illustrates how that there really is a severe water pollution problem. Not just chemicals...junk, too!

This great photo is from Flickr photographer esio trot and is being used through Creative Commons
- Dirty Beaches Inspire Graffiti and Found Art
- Here's how some artists and other creative people are dealing with the very real issue of junk on beaches. You'll enjoy viewing these. Maybe you'll even be inspired to create your own beach art.
Not So Beautiful Art...
...from polluted rivers in Minnesota

This is a sculpture that was created using junk collected from rivers in Minnesota in 2009. I think it's an amazing illustration of the amount of junk we throw away.
Can you believe that all of this was collected from Minnesota Rivers? Astonishing! Artists from around the area volunteer their time to create these pieces for the Save Our Rivers organization.
Beauty From Recycled Materials
Makes sense to me...
Broken glass is one of the most washed up items on our beaches. If you're going to buy jewelry or home decor, anyway, why not find something beautiful that's been created from recycled glass? You'll feel really good about yourself. I promise.

This cool photo is courtesy of Flickr photographer Zoetnet, through Creative Commons.
Many thanks.
Simple Things You Can You Do If You Live In A City?
You can help, even if you are an apartment dweller.
Here are a few important things you can do to help save our natural waterways, even if you don't own or live in a home with a yard or garden.

- Never dump anything into city street drains.
- Check your vehicle for any leaks that could pollute waterways when flushed down city drains.
- Recycle your motor oil.
- Pick up after your pets.
- Wash your vehicle at a car wash, not in your driveway.
- Consider planting a Rain Garden. They can be any size you like - small or large - and they help stop pollution from stormwater runoff. Check them out!
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Be sure to use cleaning products that are certified biodegradable. Read the labels and don't use anything that has chlorine or ammonia in it (or any ingredient that starts with chlor).
All those ingredients get washed down the drain and guess where they end up? Yup - rivers, lakes, streams, oceans...not good.
An Innocent Victim of Water Pollution
Photo courtesy of marinephotobank

If this image doesn't make you sick to your stomach, there's something very wrong.
Simple Steps To Take Around The House
Low Cost, Big Impact!
These ideas are easy to do and inexpensive but they will help tremendously toward a cleaner and safer water supply for everyone.
Please try these suggestions and encourage your friends and family to, as well.
- Replace shower heads with water-saving models.
- Don't let water run while you are washing or brushing your teeth and you'll save up to five gallons of water.
- Only run your dishwashing and washing machine with full loads. Try using the quick cycle on your dishwasher.
- If you can't replace your toilet with a low-flow model (the best idea but more expensive), place a water-filled plastic bottle in your toilet tank. It will displace the water in the tank, thereby using less water per flush.
- Invest in a water filtration system instead of buying bottled drinking water. I use the Pur brand but I've had Brita, as well. Both are inexpensive and work well.
Learn More - Great Reading
Books all about water pollution
These books are excellent sources for learning the sometimes nasty truths about water pollution.
Water Pollution - An Inheritance For Our Children
Wouldn't you agree that it's our obligation to keep our natural waterways clear and pollution free for future generations?
So that their connection with pure water isn't just through art.
Still More Simple Tips
These tips are really just new habits that we all should form. Easy, inexpensive, but the impact will be felt for generations.
- Use a sink strainer to keep food scraps from going down the sink drain.
- Put cooking fats and oils in the trash, not down the drain.
- Use biodegradable and phosphate free cleaners or try natural cleaners like vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and lemon instead. There are many recipes for cleaners using these natural products. They're much less expensive, as well.
- Help clean up litter when you see it on the beaches or in parks and other public places.
- Recycle the oil from your vehicles. Many car repair businesses will accept your used oil for recycling.
- Don't dump unwanted prescriptions down the toilet or the drain. Most pharmacies will accept your unwanted medicines.
Important Essays on Water
Water Pollution in the News - World Wide
It's a big deal...
- Shore Patrol: EPA considers funding cuts for ocean water pollution monitoring
- By Joe Segura Staff Writer The federal government is considering cuts in funding used by health officials to monitor potential pollutants in ocean water. The US Environmental Protection Agency is citing the "difficult financial climate," suggesting ...
- Scott signs water pollution bill, but battle may still rage
- Rick Scott signed a bill today that paves the way for Florida to reject federal water pollution rules and set individual standards for each water body. "The future of our state's environment and economy depend on the health of our water bodies, ...
- No Surprises At Water Pollution Control Commission Info Meeting
- By Fay Abrahamsson In their presentation to interested citizens February 15, the members of the town's Water Pollution Control Commission (WPCC) outlined the wastewater issues the town faces, what they wish to avoid when it comes to solving the ...
- Citizens' group studies Lake Padden water quality
- The group is measuring oxygen levels, phosphorus and bacteria in an effort to study the lake's water quality. BELLINGHAM - A citizens' group called People for Lake Padden has been conducting a series of tests of the recreational lake's water quality, ...
Reusable Water Bottles
Eco-friendly water bottles, that is...
Plastic water bottles are a huge source of pollution. Even though many plastics are recycle friendly, most of them are simply thrown away.
Eco-friendly water bottles. Once you get used to using them you'll wonder what took you so long! Besides, most bottled water is no better than the water from your kitchen faucet. That's a fact!
Be sure to check whether or not your reusable plastic water bottle is BPA free. BPA is Bisphenol A is a substance used in making plastics and there is great concern that it can harm a fetuses, infants, and young children. Most responsible companies will put a label on their bottles declaring that they are BPA free.
Blogging about Pollution
Water pollution is newsworthy.
Every day bloggers around the world are spreading the word. It's in the newspapers. It's on television and radio. Making an impression on everyone is essential to solving the problem of water pollution.
- Shore Patrol: EPA considers funding cuts for ocean water pollution monitoring
- By Joe Segura Staff Writer The federal government is considering cuts in funding used by health officials to monitor potential pollutants in ocean water. The US Environmental Protection Agency is citing the "difficult financial climate," suggesting ...
- Scott signs water pollution bill, but battle may still rage
- Rick Scott signed a bill today that paves the way for Florida to reject federal water pollution rules and set individual standards for each water body. "The future of our state's environment and economy depend on the health of our water bodies, ...
- No Surprises At Water Pollution Control Commission Info Meeting
- By Fay Abrahamsson In their presentation to interested citizens February 15, the members of the town's Water Pollution Control Commission (WPCC) outlined the wastewater issues the town faces, what they wish to avoid when it comes to solving the ...
- Citizens' group studies Lake Padden water quality
- The group is measuring oxygen levels, phosphorus and bacteria in an effort to study the lake's water quality. BELLINGHAM - A citizens' group called People for Lake Padden has been conducting a series of tests of the recreational lake's water quality, ...
Water Conservation Websites
Easy to read - Useful Ideas
These sites are filled with helpful and painless ways of dealing with water pollution in our everyday lives. Bookmark them for future reference.
- US EPA Office of Water Website
Information about water including a collection of water sites with information to raise public awareness and encourage involvement in water quality issues.
- Do's and Don'ts Around the House | Polluted Runoff (Nonpoint Source Pollution) | US EPA
Good information on various topics like: Household Chemicals, Landscaping and Gardening, Septic Systems, Water Conservation, Community Action and more.
- A Citizen's Guide to Protecting Our Coasts
This is a wonderful online book with guidance on every imaginable question you might have about water and preserving water.
Thanks for stopping by...
Please leave your calling card.
Although this is a very serious subject, I hope you enjoyed the lens. Very likely you are already using many of these suggestions
Maybe you've learned something new. If so, would you mind scrolling back up to the top and clicking on the "like" button? Thanks much!!
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ViJuvenate
Feb 6, 2012 @ 1:56 pm | delete
- It is a serious subject. While man was put in dominion over the earth, the main focus of that was to subdue it AND to care for it at the same time. Leaning in either direction over the other is out of balance. We should be able to utilize what we've been given, while preserving and caring for it. A great lens!
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CherylK
Feb 8, 2012 @ 9:38 pm | delete
- You are absolutely right. Balance is the key. Thank you for stopping by and leaving such an excellent comment!
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lisadh Feb 6, 2012 @ 11:34 am | delete
- You've done a great job listing easy ways to prevent water pollution, as well as conserve water. I will add one more for people who have swimming pools - put a solar cover on it. Not only will it help you heat your pool, but they help prevent evaporation, meaning you'll need to fill your pool less often.
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CherylK
Feb 8, 2012 @ 9:36 pm | delete
- Lisa, that is a brilliant suggestion! Thank you for that! I'll add it to one of the lists. I have a sister with a swimming pool...I'm going to suggest this to her.
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kathysart
Feb 3, 2012 @ 10:43 am | delete
- Angel blessed.
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CherylK
Feb 5, 2012 @ 12:29 am | delete
- Thank you so much. I'm very grateful for your blessing.
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kathysart
Feb 3, 2012 @ 10:42 am | delete
- Water pollution is just sooo heartbreaking. Thank you for this very important lens and reminding people of it.
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CherylK
Feb 5, 2012 @ 12:29 am | delete
- You are very welcome Kathy...I really believe that people will do the right thing if they're just reminded what it is, once in awhile. I need reminding, myself, from time to time. Thank you for the visit and nice comment.
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Tipi
Feb 2, 2012 @ 8:50 pm | delete
- Its been a while since I was here and I wasn't an angel at the time, returning with totally non polluting angel dust that is completely environmentally friendly. I looked back in the guest book and see you got that well deserved purple start soon after I was here in 2010...April 8th, the star started shining here!
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CherylK
Feb 5, 2012 @ 12:27 am | delete
- A million thanks for stopping by and leaving that amazing non polluting, environmentally friendly angel dust!! You've made my day!
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by CherylK
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