Water pollution, like other types of pollution result when an overwhelming amount of waste comes from different sources of pollutant which harmfully disrupts the balance of the ecosystem; consequently, the waste cannot be destroyed or cleaned up as quickly as produced which results in many disadvantageous to humans and animals, as well as other living organisms. Therefore individuals have to realize that water pollutants can lead to long term effects and sometimes death due to the water pollution.
Oil and chemical waste are two major sources of pollution and hazards waste. Petroleum products are one of the most toxic substances to the ecosystem. Oil and chemical waste comes to the water usually by accidental spills from ships, tankers, pipelines, and leaking underground storage tanks. There is no doubt that oil and chemical products are poisonous to the inhabitants of the seas, lakes, oceans, or water storage sites. The water is also being polluted by plastics and other plastic like substances, such as nylon, plastic bags and plastic bottles. Pesticides and herbicides used in the killing of unwanted animals and plants have toxins such as lead, mercury and nitrate, etc ; these chemicals may enter the lakes and rivers through the sewage system or through the dumping of toxics by the large factories or can be collected by rain and will eventually drain into the rivers, lakes and oceans. When animals drink water or eat plants which have been sprayed with toxin chemicals they can lose their lives.
Sewage and waste water are some of the other problems which lead to water pollution or contamination. The population is growing around the world at an alarming rate. There are many people in a small area which only leads to the increase of waste including sewage, garbage, spilling of fuels and oils into the ground and then into the water supply. In the developing countries or modern countries, sewage water is drained off into the rivers without proper treatment or if treated done in a very poor manners. This slows down the process of diluting the waste water and therefore it flows directly to the rivers, lakes and oceans; then it stagnate the water. In addition many people in the cities do not want to take the time or purchase proper items for disposing of waste material and they just dump it wherever they can. Much research has been done and they have found out that sewage contains many kinds of chemicals, from medicine or prescription drugs to paper and plastic; and when someone is sick the sewage carries these viruses into the environment and water systems, such as cholera and typhoid.
In conclusion, it is clear to everyone the problems associated with water pollution. It not only has an effect on flora, fauna and other living things in the short term but has long lasting effects that can take years or centuries to clean up. Many countries have laws to protect the environment and limit water pollution, but that is not enough to solve the many problems. People living on this planet have to be responsible and get involved in keeping our water supply fresh and clean. They must be familiar with water sources and learn how to keep them clean. Deposing of industrial waste and household waste, should be done in the proper manner to assure no harm to environment is done. In agricultural and garden have to know the right time to add nutrients or fertilizers; thus avoiding over feeding and this would help keep the chemicals from our water source. Choosing to use non disposal bags instead of plastic is another way to keep plastic out of our water and disposal sites. Everyone needs to be more concerned with our water supply and products that can threaten it. They all must realize water is their source of life and it needs to be conserved and protected