Reducing Water Pollution (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Reducing Water Pollution

• Water pollution is the introduction of harmful contaminants into water bodies, making the water unsafe for humans, wildlife, and ecosystems

• Reducing water pollution is essential for:

  • Protecting drinking water sources

  • Conserving biodiversity

  • Supporting overall ecosystem health.

• Both individual actions and organised group efforts can make a significant impact on reducing water pollution

Actions individuals can take

Reducing consumption and waste disposal

• Conserving water:

  • Reducing water use decreases the amount of wastewater generated

  • This reduces the volume that needs treatment and helps to keep water sources cleaner

  • E.g. taking shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and using water-efficient appliances can reduce household water waste

• Disposing of waste properly:

  • Proper disposal of chemicals, oils, paints, and medicines prevents these pollutants from entering water systems

  • Hazardous household waste should be disposed of at designated recycling or waste facilities

  • When dumped down sinks or drains, these substances can contaminate both local water sources and groundwater

• Minimising use of harsh chemicals:

  • Avoiding strong chemicals in daily use, like certain detergents and cleaners, helps prevent these harmful compounds from entering the water system

Using eco-friendly products

• Choosing cleaning products:

  • Using eco-friendly products that are biodegradable ensures that fewer harmful chemicals end up in water sources

  • Many green products are made from natural ingredients that break down easily, reducing the risk to aquatic life

• Reducing plastic use:

  • Reducing single-use plastics decreases the chances of plastic waste ending up in rivers, lakes, and oceans

Actions by groups and citizen activists

Peaceful citizen protest

• Raising awareness:

  • Peaceful protest can draw public attention to water pollution issues and encourage companies or governments to take action

  • Protests can make both policymakers and the public more aware of potential environmental risks

  • This can sometimes lead to stricter regulations or new laws to protect water

• Organising community clean-ups:

  • By organising local clean-up events, groups can help directly remove pollutants like litter and plastics from rivers, lakes, and beaches.

  • Community clean-ups also educate members of the community on the importance of keeping water sources free from waste

Data collection and research

• Community science projects:

  • Community-led data collection efforts, often called community or citizen science

    • E.g. this could involve local residents monitoring water quality by measuring factors like pH, turbidity, and levels of certain pollutants

  • Community data can provide valuable information about water pollution trends and help identify specific sources of pollution

• Reporting pollution:

  • Individuals and groups can help by reporting visible pollution or notable changes in water quality to local authorities

  • This can help authorities take action before pollution spreads further, making it easier to contain and treat

Forming legal teams and lobbying lawmakers

• Legal action against polluters:

  • Environmental legal teams often help communities hold polluters accountable by filing lawsuits if laws protecting water quality are violated

  • Legal action can lead to financial penalties for companies or stricter operational requirements

  • This helps to prevent further pollution.

• Lobbying for stronger water laws:

  • Groups and organisations may work to influence local or national lawmakers to create or strengthen regulations protecting water quality.

  • Lobbying efforts can lead to:

    • New policies that restrict pollution

    • Increase penalties for violations

    • Require improved treatment of industrial and agricultural wastewater