Water
Why is it Important to Conserve
Water and Avoid Polluting
Our Water Resources?
Water covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface and is a very important resource for people and the environment. Water pollution affects drinking water, rivers, lakes and oceans all over the world, which consequently harms human health, the natural environment, and other species that depend on it for survival. Both the accessibility and the safety of drinking water and its many uses are major concerns throughout the world. Browse the following links and information to learn more about the world’s water resources and gain knowledge on how you can help reduce water pollution in your area.
Video: Water: What’s in the Bottle
Find alternatives to plastic water bottles and see the harmful effects they can have on the environment and your health.
Video: A Little-Known Natural Wonder
A story of Maine’s MerryMeeting inland bay. Learn how residents across America are working together in an effort to protect our unique water ecosytems that house endangered and threatened species.
Article: Bottled Water Sales Dry Up, Industry Asks “Why”? By Jennifer Alsever
How Are Humans Polluting Water Systems?
Surface waters are the natural water resources of the Earth. They include oceans, rivers, and lakes. These waters can become polluted in a number of ways. Our ground water drinking sources can also be harmed from pollutants.
*Drinking water is often polluted from pesticide contaminated soil or other chemicals that have leached into our water system.
*Nutrients found in waste-water and fertilizers can leach into the surrounding surface water causing excess weed and algae growth if large concentrations are present. It can contaminate drinking water and can also damage other aquatic organisms that depend on the oxygen that the excess algae is depleting.
*Many types of microorganisms live in water and cause fish and land animals and humans to become ill. Serious diseases come from these microorganisms that live in the water. These diseases typically affect those that live in poor conditions as they do not have facilities that treat polluted water.
Video: Aboard the Alguita: Healing Our Ocean
Learn how the waste you improperally dispose of affects the word’s oceans, and follow the journey of a researcher determined to clean it up.
What Can I Do to Prevent Water
Pollution and Conserve Water?
If you want to help keep our waters clean, there are many things you can do to help. You can prevent water pollution of nearby rivers and lakes as well as groundwater and drinking water by following some simple guidelines in your everyday life.
* Conserve water by turning off the tap when running water is not necessary. This helps prevent water shortages and reduces the amount of contaminated water that needs treatment.
Video: Water Conservation 101 with Michelle Kaufman
Smart tips for conserving water in your home while saving money.
Learn How to Reduce Treated Water Usage in Your Garden: Rain Barrel Fact Sheet
*Be careful about what you throw down your sink or toilet. Don’t throw paints, oils, medications or other forms of litter down the drain.
Proper Disposal of Pharmaceutical Waste
*Use environmentally friendly household products, such as washing powder, household cleaning agents and toiletries.
*Take great care not to overuse pesticides and fertilizers. This will prevent runoffs of the material into nearby water sources.
*By having more plants in your garden you are preventing fertilizer, pesticides and contaminated water from running off into nearby water sources.
Learn About Rain Gardens: Rain Garden Fact Sheet Rain Garden Fact Sheet 2
Tips to growing a healthy, no waste lawn and garden
*Don’t throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Help clean up any litter you see on beaches or in rivers and lakes, make sure it is safe to collect the litter and put it in a nearby dustbin.
Information on Cleaning Up
Our Water Systems
In Rochester:
Help Make Rochester a “Litter Bit Better”
Upcoming activities related to water
In Minnesota:
Environment Minnesota: Our Rivers, Lakes and Streams News
MN Department of Health Water Protection Page
MN Pollution Control Agency Water Information Page
Other Resources About Issues
Surrounding Water and Water Conservation:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Waste Water Pollution Page