Intro to Meteorology
What do rocket fuel and chocolate have in common? They have both been found in our water supply. Humans are the biggest cause of water pollution on the planet. People often think of water pollution as garbage and oil spills. But it can also be contaminants from our daily lives.
Despite our advanced technology here in the United States, we are not exempt from this curse that is water pollution. Even our high-tech filtration systems cannot filter out everything. And we've all seen bodies of water--sometimes near our homes--that we are hesitant to swim in. Water pollution is caused by us humans living and disposing of our waste.
In an article written by Christine Dell' Amore for National Geographic News, it was stated that spices (thyme and saffron around Thanksgiving time,) illegal substances, pharmaceuticals (like birth control and morphine,) and synthetic pollutants like paint and fertilizer have all been found in our water supply.
When it rains, the rainwater collects pollution which then flows into our water supply. For example, when we fertilize our lawns before it rains, the fertilizer drains into our gutters and then to our ponds, streams, and rivers. This dramatically effects the ecosystem of the body of water. Fertilizer can make algae grow, which makes the fish suffer. The chemistry of the water is also affected. This problem can also promote the spreading of disease via our water supply.
There is only one way to solve water pollution. We cannot control the weather. When it rains and where the water goes are things we have no say in. But we can control what we do. We can limit our use of fertilizers. We can refrain from dumping old medications down the toilet. Also, laws concerning the placement of land fills in relation to bodies of water can be made so that we have as little effect on the water as possible.
From this assignment, I learned that there is a lot more pollution in our water supply than I ever would have thought. I also learned that conserving water will help stop pollution. Our everyday life has yet another harmful effect on the planet. I'm definitely going to work on being aware of how I use water and the effect I have on the environment.
