It is easy to be overwhelmed by the problem of water pollution and think that individuals cannot make a difference. If each person in a township can be responsible in the way they deal with waste, sewage and the things that cause pollution, there would be a remarkable improvement to the problem. Preventing water pollution can be a two-way approach.
Individuals
1. Know where all your drains and sewage lead to and make an effort not to throw wastewater into drains. If there is organic matter in your waste or sewage, think of ways to compost them, or follow laid down instructions given by your local council on how to dispose of organic waste.
2. Ensure that you comply with the waste disposal arrangements made by your council.
3. Reduce waste creation. We all have a rather bad culture of want and waste. It is possible for each family or individual to reduce consumption and waste by half. The less we consume of everything, the less would be produced by manufacturing industries and farms. Ultimately resulting in less pollution.
4. Look out for, and be mindful of where to dispose of hazardous chemicals and medicines. Your local council or police station can assist with information on how to dispose of chemicals and hazardous waste.
Policy
Government policies and laws can make a world of difference. Here is what can be done:
1. Governments can invest in research, and assist with the provision of logistics for industries, farms and businesses to dispose of waste. Planning with these industries and farms creates an awareness of the consequences of their actions and establishes a commitment to reducing the negative impact of nutrient pollution.
2. Education on the dangers of water pollution is extremely important, as it helps people to apply the right attitudes when dealing with the environment. Education activities that get people informed and empowered to help protect water should be encouraged and invested in.
3. Laws must be enforced, with very hefty fines and actions for industries that do not comply with water pollution prevention laws. If industries know that they are being monitored and checked regularly, they will usually ensure best practices of waste and chemical dumping at all cost.