Background

Background Of Water Pollution

Water pollution is a major global problem which requires ongoing evaluation and revision of water resource policy at all levels (international down to individual aquifers and wells). It has been suggested that it is the leading worldwide cause of deaths and diseases, and that it accounts for the deaths of more than 14,000 people daily. An estimated 700 million Indians have no access to a proper toilet, and 1,000 Indian children die of diarrheal sickness every day. Some 90% of China's cities suffer from some degree of water pollution,and nearly 500 million people lack access to safe drinking water.

Make Water Clean

History of Water Pollution- After World War II

In addition to pollutants such as human wastes, fertilizers, leather tanning, and butchering wastes, the emergence of industries and technological factories likewise caused ever more severe water pollution problems. Industrial wastes were freely dumped into rivers, lakes, and streams, polluting the water further and causing large amounts of damage to living organisms using that water.

1969  

In the year 1969, after series of fires on the Cuyahoga River, it was learned that the fires are caused by oil slicks and flammable industrial wastes dumped into it! The government then started the studies that let to the enactment of the 1972 Clean 

Water Act 

Even with this act, many people are still unaware of how to protect themselves from chemical pollutants and waterborne diseases. Many large scale cleanups have been ongoing for years. 

Present Day

Today, water pollution is still an issue many countries and regions face. It is therefore important for you to know the disease causing agents that may find its way to water bodies. By understanding the damage water pollution can do to your body, you may try to avoid water contamination in your own way. 

Water Pollutant 

  

Human wastes, household chemicals, fertilizers, garbage and industrial by-products are the most major water pollutants. You can help avoid them finding their way to the water you drink by learning how to dispose of them properly or avoiding their use altogether.  

Other contaminants include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and parasites. These contaminants may be caused by human activities (like large scale farming) but there are some other sources in the environment. Tainted water such as this can cause extreme health problems. If you can ensure that the water in your community is clean by avoiding its contamination, you can help avoid bacteria and viruses reaching the water bodies.