Module 6: Pollution Management
Learning Objectives
• To establish a basis for water pollution management.
• To understand approaches and options including steps for planning pollution control measures.
• Derivation of management interventions, tools and instruments needed to fulfil the pollution control objectives.
1. Introduction
Water resources management entails two closely related elements, i.e. the maintenance and development of adequate quantities of water of adequate quality. Thus, water resources management cannot be conducted properly without paying due attention to water quality.
Managing water pollution is clearly one of the most critical challenges to sustainable management of water resources. Without urgent and properly directed action, many countries and particularly developing countries face mounting problems as water resources become more contaminated. Pollution is increasing rapidly with urbanisation, industrialisation and population growth, yet many countries have inadequate institutional and legislative systems to address the problem effectively.
This module discusses:
a) The framework for action on pollution;
b) The process of preparing a pollution control plan; and
c) Implementation.
2. Legal and Regulatory Framework
2.1 Water management objectives for pollution Control
Empowered by the national legislation the managing organisation needs to establish water management objectives for pollution that are feasible within the intended time frame and are measurable (Box 6.1). The initial objectives will revolve around the need to understand the scale and scope of the problem and start to control the sources of pollution.