By nature water is the neatest and clearest of all liquid,but we humans are trying our best to make it dirty and polluted. One of the best examples of how we are polluting it is the way we treat our waterways. Waterways are made up of rivers, creeks, lakes, canals, streams etc. They are important in respect of their high economic and environmental value. Water pollution can be caused by garbage, urban runoffs, industrial waste, pesticides and other sprays, oil and grease from roads, hospital wastes etc.
Almost every big city in the world is responsible for contaminating the water, not only by its industrial estates but also through the sewerage systems ,human waste is as much responsible as any other cause . In most cities sewers and drains are not connected to the treatment plants and dirty water runs directly into rivers, creeks, sloughs and the oceans with no treatment. Water contamination can then result in degrading aquatic life, creating unpleasant odours and causing too many health-related problems by contacting or drinking this polluted water not only in human beings but also in wild life.
We can safeguard our waters from this pollution not only on government bases but also through individual efforts. Governments should pass and enforce strict laws for industry to ensure that they can’t throw their industrial wastes, fluids and chemicals directly into waterways without treatment. Every factory/ business should have its own treatment plants.As individuals we can also contribute largely to this, for example if we dispose of our garden and lawn clippings properl.,and in developed countries there are facilities for this. Car owners should keep their vehicles properly serviced to minimise the leakage of oil and other liquids. Household waste should be disposed of properly, using special bin bags or preferably paper bags. Educate your family and friends about these matters. If you became aware of water contamination and pollution in your local area than contact your nearest water and environmental agencies or government departments.
It is very important to protect our waterways from all types of pollution so we can protect not only ourselves but also wildlife. Water is life, take care of it, it will take care of you.
