Water pollution is the contamination of water sources by substances that make water unsuitable for drinking, cooking, cleaning, swimming, and other activities. The primary water pollutants include chemicals, waste material, bacteria, and parasites.

Rivers are the worst hit by the menace of water pollution. Surprisingly, the sources of rivers are crystal clear and safe for home usage. Sea Smart reports that river Nile, the longest river in Africa derives pollution from the following sources:

Industrial wastewater
Oil pollution
Municipal wastewater
Agricultural drainage

Other rivers that suffer from heavy pollution include the Jordan, Ganges, Nairobi, Sarno, Buriganga, Yamuna, Citarum River, and more.

Waste products such as plastic also contribute to water pollution, otherwise known as trash. Globally, 1000 rivers emit nearly 80% of pollution. This represents 1% of all rivers globally.

What Causes Water Pollution in Cities?

Water pollution in cities is primarily caused by various human activities and natural processes that introduce contaminants into water bodies. Some of the main sources and causes of water pollution in urban areas include:

1. Industrial Discharges

Factories and manufacturing facilities often release pollutants such as chemicals, heavy metals, and toxic substances into nearby water bodies through their wastewater discharge pipes. These pollutants can contaminate the water and harm aquatic life.

2. Municipal Wastewater

Urban areas generate large amounts of sewage and wastewater, which can contain harmful pathogens, nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus), and chemicals. Inadequate sewage treatment or outdated wastewater infrastructure can lead to the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage into rivers, lakes, or oceans.

3. Stormwater Runoff

Rainwater runoff from roads, parking lots, and other urban surfaces can carry pollutants like oil, heavy metals, pesticides, and trash into nearby water bodies. Stormwater management practices are essential to reduce this type of pollution.

4. Agricultural Runoff

In some urban areas, agriculture still occurs on the outskirts, and runoff from agricultural fields can carry fertilizers, pesticides, and sediments into waterways.

5. Construction Activities

Construction sites often generate sediment runoff, which can cloud water and affect aquatic habitats. Additionally, construction chemicals and materials can contaminate water if not managed properly.

6. Residential Pollution

Household activities, such as improper disposal of household chemicals, dumping of waste into storm drains, and overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, can contribute to water pollution.

7. Illegal Dumping

People sometimes illegally dispose of hazardous materials, waste, and trash into water bodies, further contributing to pollution.

8. Leakage from Underground Storage Tanks

Underground storage tanks used for storing fuels or chemicals can leak over time, releasing harmful substances into the groundwater, which may eventually reach surface water bodies.

9. Combined Sewer Systems

Some older urban areas have combined sewer systems that carry both sewage and stormwater in the same pipes. During heavy rain events, these systems can overflow, discharging untreated sewage into water bodies.

10. Air Pollution Deposition

Airborne pollutants, such as heavy metals and acid rain, can settle on the ground and eventually wash into water bodies, causing contamination.

11. Natural Events

Natural events like floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions can also introduce pollutants into water bodies.

Mitigating Water Pollution

Efforts to mitigate water pollution in cities include improving sewage treatment infrastructure, implementing stormwater management practices, enforcing environmental regulations, promoting responsible waste disposal, and raising public awareness about the importance of clean water and responsible urban practices.

Preventing water pollution in cities requires a combination of individual and collective efforts, government regulations, and sustainable urban planning. Here are some ways to avoid water pollution in cities:

1. Proper Waste Disposal

Dispose of household waste, chemicals, and hazardous materials at designated collection sites or recycling centers.
Never dump trash, oil, or chemicals into storm drains, as they often lead directly to water bodies.

2. Reduce Plastic Use

Minimize plastic consumption and properly dispose of plastic waste to prevent it from entering water bodies.

3. Reduce Pesticide and Fertilizer Use

Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly and according to instructions. Consider natural and organic alternatives.
Avoid applying these substances before rain or over-irrigating, which can lead to runoff.

4. Sustainable Landscaping

Implement sustainable landscaping practices, such as rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements, to reduce stormwater runoff and filter pollutants.

5. Sewage and Wastewater Management

Support and advocate for improved sewage treatment infrastructure to ensure proper treatment of wastewater before discharge.
- Prevent illegal connections between stormwater drains and sewage systems.

6. Industrial and Commercial Responsibility

Encourage businesses and industries to adopt eco-friendly production processes and wastewater treatment technologies.
- Enforce environmental regulations on industrial discharges.

7. Stormwater Management

Implement effective stormwater management practices, such as retention ponds, vegetated swales, and detention basins, to capture and treat runoff before it reaches water bodies.

8. Education and Awareness

Raise awareness among citizens, businesses, and schools about the importance of clean water and responsible water use.
Promote educational programs on water pollution prevention and conservation.

9. River and Waterfront Restoration

Support initiatives to restore and protect urban rivers, lakes, and waterfronts, which can improve water quality and enhance urban living.

10. Efficient Transportation

Encourage the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking to reduce automotive pollution that can end up in water bodies.

11. Green Infrastructure

Invest in green infrastructure projects like urban forests, wetlands, and riparian buffers to filter pollutants and enhance urban biodiversity.

12. Regulatory Measures

Advocate for and support government regulations that enforce water quality standards and pollution control measures.
Encourage enforcement of fines and penalties for violations of pollution regulations.

13. Community Engagement

Engage the community in clean-up and restoration efforts, such as river clean-up events and volunteer programs.

14. Monitoring and Reporting

Encourage citizens to report instances of water pollution to local authorities for prompt action.

15. Research and Innovation

Invest in research and innovation to develop advanced pollution control technologies and sustainable urban planning strategies.

Scientists found out that most of that waste is carried by small rivers that flow through densely populated urban areas, not the largest rivers. By taking a holistic approach that combines responsible individual actions, community involvement, government policies, and sustainable urban development, cities can work towards preventing and mitigating water pollution, ultimately safeguarding their water resources for future generations.

Tell us what you are doing to save the water bodies on our planet…

What Causes Water Pollution?