Water pollution might be one of the leading environmental (and social) issues in the world, and it contributes specifically global water issues too.
Water pollution includes pollution of both fresh water sources (lakes, rivers, and groundwater aquifers), and also ocean/marine water pollution.
In this guide, we’ve outlined what water pollution is, examples of the different types of water pollutants, along with causes, sources, effects, potential solutions, & more.
Summary – Water Pollution
What Is Water Pollution
Water pollution involves pollutants, contaminants and harmful substances entering a body of water, leading to the degradation of the quality of that body of water
Is There A Difference Between Water Pollution & Water Contamination?
Many reports indicate there isn’t
However, we’ve outlined one potential difference between the two in the guide below
Types Of Water Pollutants
There are many different types of water pollutants and contaminants
Water pollutants are often found in different types of waste such as wastewater or sewage, just to name two examples
We list other examples of some of these pollutants and contaminants in the guide below
Where Do Water Pollutants Come From?
Water pollutants can come from range of both human and natural sources
We list some of them in the guide below
Water Pollutants From Human Sources vs Natural Sources
One report indicates that water pollutants form human sources might contribute to water pollution more than pollutants from natural sources
Causes Of Water Pollution (How Water Pollution Happens)
We provide examples of potential causes of water pollution and contamination in the guide below
Real Examples Of Types Of Pollutants & Causes Of Pollution In Different Countries & Cities
We reference a report below in the guide which gives real examples of types of water pollutants and causes of water pollution in different regions around the world
Most Common Causes Of Water Pollution – Globally
According to several reports, some of the most common causes of water pollution on a global level, might be:
– The inadequate treatment of human wastes, and sewage
– Various forms of waste water pollution
Some estimates indicate 80% of waste water is released into the environment globally without treatment
– Agricultural pollution from agricultural chemicals
Especially fertilizers, which leads to nutrient pollution from nitrogen and phosphate), and, other forms of agricultural waste pollution
– The inadequate management and treatment of industrial waste
Most Common Causes Of Water Pollution – In The US
Water pollution in the US might be divided up between surface water pollution, and ground water pollution
Nutrient pollution in the form of nitrates and phosphates from fertlizers (from agriculture), as well as municipal and industrial waste discharge might be some of the main pollutants for surface water
Pesticides (including weed killers) and fertilizers might be some of the main contaminants in ground water
Pesticides in general might be commonly found in different water sources in the US
Most Common Causes Of Water Pollution In Developed Countries vs Developing Countries
Developed countries and developing countries might have different main causes of water pollution
In developed countries, agricultural chemicals can be a common cause of water pollution, but there can be others as well
In developing countries, agricultural pollutants can be a main cause of water pollution, along with human waste management & sewage management (from a lack of human waste and sewage treatment)
Most Common Causes Of Local Water Pollution In Specific Countries & Cities
We’ve listed reports in the guide below that identify some of the main causes of local water pollution in specific regions, countries, cities around the world
Newer Emerging Forms Of Water Pollution
One new emerging cause of water pollution, according to some reports, is pharmaceuticals and personal care products
Although, there may not be as much known about them at this stage compared to other forms of water pollution
Water Pollution Differs Everywhere, But, There May Be Average Trends In Some Locations
Water pollution ultimately differs everywhere in terms of the set of factors or variables involved
This is illustrated even within this guide, as we see different causes of water pollution and types of pollutants affecting different countries, cities and regions
We list some of the different factors that may be relevant to each case of water pollution in different regions in the guide below
However, in some cities or towns for example, there may be some common trends in the water, such as the predominant cause of water pollution (just as one example)
Cities, Countries & Regions With The Most Water Pollution & Contamination
What we see is that water pollution and contamination happens in many countries and regions around the world, and even in ‘developed’ countries.
Although, some countries may have more notable cases of water pollution and contamination than others in some instances.
Which Countries Are The Biggest Water Polluters?
Read more in this guide about the countries that are the biggest water polluters.
Direct Water Pollution vs Indirect Water Pollution
Water pollution may occur directly upon pollutants entering a body of water
This is a more direct form of water pollution
However, there may also be some type of secondary pollution that occurs where water is polluted after a reaction occurs, or some other type of event happens first (like the air being polluted, and water bodies absorbing some type of pollution)
This might be a more indirect form of water pollution.
We discuss direct and indirect water pollution in more detail in the guide below
We also give some potential examples of indirect water pollution
Types Of Water Sources That Get Polluted
There are different types of water sources that can get polluted:
Surface water sources (lakes, rivers, etc)
Ground water sources (aquifers)
And, marine/ocean water
We provide some relevant information on each of these sources of water in the guide below.
Surface Water & Ground Water Pollution In The US
Specifically in the US, in regards to surface water and ground water:
– There might a notable % of surface water water sources that are considered polluted
– And, ground water may be responsible for the cross contamination of surface water sources, and might be hard to clean
Ocean Water Pollution
Land based contaminants and waste (that find their way into the ocean), as well as carbon emissions in the atmosphere, may lead to ocean water pollution.
Freshwater vs Marine Water Water Pollution
The pollution of freshwater may have different consequences to the pollution of marine water, and may be slightly more important to address for a range of reasons
We discuss the potential differences and reasons in the guide below
Point Source vs Non Point Source vs Transboundary Water Pollution
We explain the difference between point source (single point), non point source (multiple points), and also transboundary water pollution in the guide below
Some reports indicate that in the US, non point source is the main way water is polluted, but, it can be difficult to regulate, since there’s no single, identifiable culprit
Effects Of Water Pollution
In the guide below, we discuss the following range of potential effects of water pollution and contamination:
– Impact On Humans & Human Health
– Impact On Wild Life & Animals (& Other Living Organisms)
– Impact On The Natural Environment
– Impact On The Economy
Potential Solutions To Water Pollution
Some suggest that preventing or reducing water pollution is a priority over trying to purify or clean polluted water.
Something else that might be important to note about cleaning up water with water pollution in it, is, the cost to clean up that water should be weighed up with the benefits of the clean up. In some instances, the benefits may not outweigh the cost (which can be significant)
Water Pollution Stats
At the bottom of this guide, we provide some notable stats about waste water, industrial and sewage and effluent waste worldwide, that are relevant to water pollution
How Water Pollution Can Contribute To/Cause Water Quality Problems
Water quality problems might mostly be caused by eutrophication, caused by water pollution from high nutrient loads from agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, & atmospheric inputs from burning fossil fuels as well as bush fires
In regards to agricultural runoff, there might be certain foods that have the highest eutrophying emissions
There may also be new water quality concerns arising from personal care products and pharmaceuticals
What Is Water Pollution? (A Definition)
A general description of water pollution might be:
Water pollution is when harmful substances, pollutants or contaminants (such as chemicals or microorganisms) enter a body of water, and degrade the quality of the water
As one example of water pollution, un.org gives what might be one definition of water polluted with human and animal waste, or fertilizer runoff:
Nitrogen concentrations exceeding 5 milligrams per litre of water often indicate pollution from human and animal waste or fertilizer runoff from agricultural areas
Is There A Difference Between Water Pollution & Water Contamination?
Some reports refer to water pollution and water contamination as the same thing.
However, a small handful of reports may make the following distinction between the two:
– Water pollution may refer to the general degradation of a body of water when pollutants or contaminants enter that body of water
– Water contamination on the other hand may consider the end use of that water.
Specifically, water might be ‘contaminated’ when the quality of the water is not suitable or ‘fit for use’ for it’s end purpose, such as being used as drinking water
Main Types Of Water Pollutants
Link Between Waste Pollution & Water Pollution
Waste pollution and water pollution are closely linked, as waste material itself can pollute water, but waste can also carry certain types of pollutants and contaminants into water
Forms Of Different Water Pollutants
Pollutants and the waste that carries them, can come in many forms – liquid, solid, gas, micro organisms – just to name a few.
Natural vs Man Made Pollutants
Some pollutants are natural pollutants that come from natural sources, whilst some are man made pollutants
Examples Of Water Pollutants & Contaminants
Some of the main types of water pollutants, pollutant carrying wastes, and contaminants that get into water are:
– Fertilizers
Particularly synthetic fertilizers used in agriculture. Fertilizer can runoff into water ways and groundwater for exampl
– Pesticides
Particularly synthetic pesticides used in agriculture
– Other agricultural chemicals or waste
For example, oecd.org indicates that in addition to pesticide use and fertilizer runoff, livestock effluent can runoff into waterways and ground water and cause water pollution
– Waste water
In the form of waste water from households (from sinks, showers, toilets and household sources)
Can also come from commercial, industrial, and agricultural activities (including agricultural runoff)
Stormwater can also carry pollutants into different water sources
– Sewage and septic system waste
– Industrial chemicals and industrial waste
– Household chemicals, waste and products
For example, cleaning products and detergents
But, personal care products and pharmaceuticals, such as birth control pills, painkillers and antibiotics are newer forms of pollutants
– Organic chemicals
Chemicals produced in a lab
– Leachate from landfills
Especially when the landfill isn’t using an effective liner or leachate management system
– Heavy metals and solvents, and toxic sludge
– Solid debris like plastic
Especially when inadequately disposed of, or littered
– Oil, gasoline, break fluid, grease
Which can runoff from roads and highways into water sources
– Heat
Via thermal water pollution – such as discharge of heated water from a power plant
– Radioactive substances
Like nuclear waste
– Mining Tailings and effluent
Which are dumped from, or leach from mining sites
– Pollution from bacteria and microorganisms
Like microbes, viruses, pathogens, parasites, and protozoa
High levels of pathogens might be caused by a lack of proper sanitation systems, and/or untreated sewage getting into a water source
– Natural pollution
From volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, flooding and tsunamis
– Anaerobic Organisms
– Suspended Particulate matter (and other sediments)
– Biodegradable waste
Like animal manure (especially from livestock) or urine, and naturally decaying plant material
– Other Types Of Waste Or Pollutants
Such as medical, industrial, toxic, domestic, food wastes, carcinogens and so on
– Air Pollutants
– Greenhouse gases
Carbon emissions can be absorbed by the ocean, leading to acidification
– *Brackish or semi saline water
Not technically a pollutant or contaminant, but can cross contaminate with freshwater sources (some reports indicate saltwater has cross contaminated freshwater sources in Miami in the past, as one example)
Brackish water may have a salt content somewhere in between salt water and fresh water
– *Some types of waste carry a common pollutant
For example, wastewater, fertilizers and sewage can all contain nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) – and nutrient pollution is a type of water pollution in itself.
Where Do Water Pollutants Come From?
Pollutants Can Come From Human Sources, & Human Sources
Water pollutants can come from a range of both human and natural sources.
Examples Of Where Water Pollutants Come From
Some of the main places that water pollutants come from are:
Farms
Factories
Industrial Sites
Construction and Building Sites
Households, & Personal/Consumer Products
Vehicles
Roads/Highways, Pavements & Impermeable Surfaces
Commercial Buildings
Nature (air, soil, other water sources, animals, micro organisms)
Waste Management Sites (landfills)
Water Treatment Plants
Sewage Treatment Plants
Waste water Treatment Plants (whereby residual pollutants/contaminants that can’t be treated or removed from wastewater stay in the treated water, and are discharged into surface water sources)
Water Infrastructure Like Pipes
Storm Drains & Sewers
Ships & Sea Vessels
Below Ground Storage Tanks
Metal Ore Mining Sites
Uranium Mining, Nuclear Power Plants, and the Production and Testing of Military Weapons (in the case of radioactive waste)
Water Pollutants From Human Sources vs Natural Sources
We gave examples of both human and natural water pollutants and the sources they come from above.
But, it might be worth noting that water pollutants from human sources might contribute more to water pollution than natural sources do.
Human based sources … are the main contributors to water pollution (nrdc.org)
Causes Of Water Pollution (How Water Pollution Happens)
Causes
There are many causes of water pollution, and different ways that water pollution can occur.
Some of them include but aren’t limited to:
– Direct dumping or discharging of treated or untreated pollutants or waste into a water source
– Loss or spill of pollutants or waste directly into a water source
– Run off of pollutants
From various sources such as farms, roads and highways, pavements
Run off can then leach through soil, or wash off into stormwater drains, or into bodies of water directly
– Leaching, percolating or seepage of pollutants from soil into water
– Absorption of pollutants from the air and atmosphere
– Littered or inadequately disposed of waste or pollutants entering water sources
By being washed or blown into a water source directly, or into a system that leads to the water source, by the wind/air, rain or ocean tide
– Pollutants or contaminants developing naturally in the water source
– Cross contamination from one water source to another
– *An indirect way water pollution can occur is also water politics or poor political management of water resources
Specific Examples Of Different Causes
Specific examples of the above causes are:
– Untreated sewage or waste water being discharged directly into water sources
– Treated wastewater with residual pollutants/contaminants being discharged into surface water sources
– Synthetic fertilizers running off or washing off into soil and/or various water sources
Nutrients from these fertilizers are some of the main water pollutants
– Pesticides are sprayed onto crops, soak into the soil, and can be washed down into ground water sources
Read more about the 4 major routes pesticide reaches and pollutes water in the Wiki guide listed in the sources list)
The wind may also blow chemicals like pesticides into water sources (this is called pesticide ‘drift’)
– Detergents and other cleaning products or house products getting into waste water and polluting water sources
– Industrial sludge and dredging being dumped directly into the ocean by businesses and industrial organisation
– Waste being dumped or lost directly into the ocean
Fishing gear being lost or dumped into the ocean from a fishing vessel
Another example is oil being spilt or lost into a water source from an oil tanker or an oil rig
– Waste like plastic being washed into storm drains and sewers, and flowing out to the ocean
– Wind blowing solid debris like plastic, cigarette butts and paper bags into the ocean, and the tide washing beach litter into the ocean.
– Water sources absorbing carbon or air pollutants from the air
– Acidic rain (from air pollution) mixing with water sources
– Nuclear waste that isn’t properly contained, managed or buried can contaminate water sources
– Discharged mine effluent and seepage from tailings and waste rock, and other waste
– Chemicals found in public water pipes can leach into the public water supply
– Rainwater harvesting from roofs with oil based lead paint can pollute/contaminate water
– Contamination of soil by landfill leachate, and then leaching from the soil into a water source.
– Run off of oil from roads into stormwater drains and soil, which eventually ends up in water sources
– One polluted water source converging with or washing into another clean water source, and polluting that new clean water source (e.g. from a river, to a bay, to the ocean)
– Animals carrying waste or pollutants into water sources, or urinating, bathing and defecating in water sources
– People carrying waste or discharging of waste into water sources
Via bathing, urinating and defecating
– Other biodegradable waste like plant life may grow in and around water, leading to an imbalance or certain micro organisms.
Also, too much biodegradable waste in the water can lead to more micro organism growth and increased oxygen being used in the water and eventually depleted … and, this leads to aerobic organisms dying, and anaerobic organisms growing.
This could happen for example after a natural disaster or natural event like a flood or hurricane where biodegradable waste is upended and carried into water sources
– Viruses, pathogens, bacteria and protozoa, or other types of micro organisms (aerobic and anaerobic) developing naturally in the environment due to some type of natural process.
A lack of clean/safe water treatment, hygiene and sanitation infrastructure, facilities, and technology can be part of this problem
– One of the ways water contamination can happen is via public water supply pipes leaching chemicals and compounds into treated drinking water
This can happen in a range of countries
– Another way water contamination can happen is when fresh water sources are cross contaminated with saline water sources, such as groundwater sources getting cross contaminated with seawater
– Overdrawing from ground water sources, and depletion of ground water sources can also lead to ground water salinity
– There’s a number of factors that can contribute to fresh water turning saline in some countries
Salinity in Australia for example can be caused by a dry climate, weathered landscape, and native vegetation clearing and dryland and irrigated agriculture changing the water balance of catchments, increasing the mobilisation of salts from saline aquifers or shallow water tables into streams in many areas across Australia
Real Examples Of Types Of Pollutants, & Causes Of Water Pollution, In Different Countries & Cities
all-about-water-filters.com lists the cities and regions around with notable levels of water pollution, in addition to where water pollution occurs in each city or region, the biggest causes of the water pollution, the main types of pollutants, how widespread water pollution is, and potential health risks.
In no particular order (and paraphrased), some of the main water pollutants and causes of water pollution in different regions and cities might be:
[Across places in Africa, Central & South America, some of the main pollutants or causes of pollution were waste water, dumped industrial waste and chemical by-products, untreated sewage, drought and other natural events, natural disasters like floods, and overuse of groundwater]
[Across US cities, some of the main pollutants or causes of pollution were cleaning chemicals, leaking chemical storage containers & other chemical waste, radiation pollution, agricultural chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides running off, waste water, nuclear power plant and factory waste, industrial dumping and toxic runoff, and oil spills]
[Across places in Asia and the Middle East, some of the main pollutants or causes of pollution were mining waste, agricultural waste, household and sewage waste, industrial dumping and factory waste, natural disasters, oil spills, open defecation, leaky septic systems, drought, a lack of sanitation and water treatment, and domestic sewage, and poor political management]
You can read the full all-about-water-filters.com report to see which pollutants and causes of pollution are an issue in which specific regions.
Most Common Causes Of Water Pollution – Globally
Some of the most common causes of water pollution on a global level, according to several reports, might be:
The inadequate treatment of human wastes, and sewage and waste water pollution
The inadequate management and treatment of agricultural chemicals and agricultural waste (with agricultural pollution via nutrient pollution (particularly nitrogen and phosphate) being a common result)
The inadequate management and treatment of industrial waste
un.org indicates that the most significant sources of water pollution [globally] are:
… inadequate treatment of human wastes, and
… inadequately managed and treated industrial and agricultural wastes
nrdc.org indicates that the most common causes and sources of water pollution globally are:
Agricultural water pollution [via nutrient pollution] is the number one threat to water quality worldwide
Others are: Sewage and waste water pollution [especially when untreated], Oil pollution [from cars and trucks, and from factories, farms, and cities], and Radioactive substances
There is also a graphic available about planetary boundaries at stockholmresilience.org – we reference and explain this report in this guide about the planetary boundaries
This graphic illustrates how reactive nutrient supply levels of nitrogen and phosphate (from agricultural and industrial activities) in the biosphere (and water sources) are one of the planetary boundaries that have reached the point of high risk/beyond the zone of uncertainty.
So, this may further demonstrate how agricultural waste contributes to water pollution
More common causes of water pollution on a global level are listed at explainthatstuff.org
Most Common Causes Of Water Pollution – In The US
US water sources might distinctly be divided up between surface water, and ground water
Nutrients pollution in the form of nitrates and phosphates from fertlizers (from agriculture), as well as municipal and industrial waste discharge might be some of the main pollutants for surface water
Pesticides (including weed killers), and fertilizers might be some of the main contaminants in ground water
Pesticides in general might be commonly found in different water sources in the US
Surface Water
nrdc.org indicates that for surface water specifically in the United States:
Nutrient pollution, which includes nitrates and phosphates, is the leading type of contamination in … freshwater sources [and comes from farms and fertilizers]
Municipal and industrial waste discharge [into water sources like waterways also contributes]
Ground Water
nrdc.org indicates that for ground water specifically in the United States:
… [it is] polluted when contaminants—from pesticides and fertilizers to waste leached from landfills and septic systems [get into aquifer sources]
explainthatstuff.org also notes that weed killers might commonly be found in groundwater in the US
Pesticides Specifically
From wikipedia.org:
In the United States, pesticides were found to pollute every stream and over 90% of wells sampled in a study … [and] Pesticide residues have also been found in rain and groundwater …
Most Common Causes Of Water Pollution In Developed Countries vs Developing Countries
The main causes of water pollution might differ between developed countries and developing countries.
In developed countries, agricultural chemicals can be a common cause of water pollution, but there can be others as well
In developing countries, agricultural waste can be a main cause of water pollution, along with human waste management & sewage management (from a lack of human waste and sewage treatment)
Developed Countries
all-about-water-filters.com notes that developed countries may face these causes as the most common for water pollution:
Agriculture is the biggest cause of local water pollution in developed countries [specifically, pesticides and other agricultural chemicals leading to high concentrations of nitrates, that can result in algal blooms]
[And, others might include]
Factories & Industrial Pollutants – [via toxic chemical dumping]
Transport & Vehicles [via fuel and oil run off from vehicles and roads, especially in cities]
Air Pollution [via air contaminant emissions from vehicles and power plants, which leads to acid rain and water mixing]
Developing Countries
all-about-water-filters.com also notes that developing countries may face these causes as the most common for water pollution:
Waste Management & Sewage Management … [is a problem in some] small towns, villages and rural areas [as] there’s often no dedicated sewage or septic systems available … and this leads to the spread of bacteria, illness, and parasites
Agricultural Pollution … happens due to more primitive and simple (and not as advanced) agricultural systems and technology. Waste management is a problem here … since animal waste isn’t disposed of properly and dead animal bodies are usually not either
Most Common Causes Of Local Water Pollution In Specific Countries, Regions & Cities
Specific countries and cities around the world may also have specific causes of water pollution, and prominent types of pollutants in their local water sources.
Below are several examples from two different reports, and we can see there’s different causes of pollution, and types of pollutants, in each place.
According to all-about-water-filters.com, some of the more prominent causes of water pollution, or most prominent water pollutants in different major countries and regions are:
China [Pearl River is contaminated with industrial runoff and wastewater from nearby factories]
United States [Pesticides]
India [open defecation, and, poorly maintain sewage treatment plants]
Japan [ground water is polluted, and eutrophication can be a problem]
Germany [hundreds of toxic compounds have ben found in rivers, as well as many having high levels of E coli]
Indonesia [bathing and washing in water sources]
Brazil [soil toxicity and polluted groundwater from landfills, and, waste dumped directly into some water sources]
bestlifeonline.com also lists some of the main causes of water contamination in the Ukraine and other countries
Water Pollution Differs Everywhere, But, There May Be Average Trends In Some Locations
Water Pollution Differs Everywhere
In each water source of every city, town or region in the world, water pollutions differs in terms of:
– The individual water body being polluted
– The type water source being polluted (ground water, surface water, or ocean water zone)
– The type of pollutants in the water
– How the pollution occurs, and where it comes from
– The major polluters
Common Water Pollution Trends In Some Geographic Locations
Despite water pollution differing from place to place, some geographic locations like cities and towns may have common water pollution trends
As one example of this, there may be a common major cause of pollution in some cities and towns
Cities, Countries & Regions With The Most Water Pollution & Contamination
In that guide, we also include some %’s of how much of certain water sources might be polluted in different places.
Which Countries Are The Biggest Water Polluters?
Read more in this guide about the countries that are the biggest water polluters.
Direct Water Pollution vs Indirect Water Pollution
Water pollution can be direct, or a more secondary and more indirect form of water pollution.
We explain each below.
Direct Water Pollution
Some pollutants directly pollute a body of water when they make contact with it.
This might be the primary form of water pollution, and a more direct form of water pollution
One example might be toxic pollutants contained in waste water being discharged directly into a body of water
Indirect Water Pollution
However, there may be a more secondary form of water pollution that can happen too
Some primary pollutants get into a body of water or get into the atmosphere, and react in a certain way with each other (or even form a compound), or settle in a certain way, that pollutes water or causes a further loss in water quality.
This type of water pollution is more indirect
A few examples of indirect water pollution might be:
– Nutrients
… wastewater, fertilizers and sewage contain nutrients. Nutrients encourage algae and weed growth, and algae deplete the water of oxygen, along with weeds clogging up water which needs to be filtered or treated in some way (eschooltoday.com)
– Anaerobic Organisms
… in water, they can produce harmful toxins such as ammonia and sulfides (eschooltoday.com).
– Suspended Particulate Matter
… certain types of pollutants or even biodegradable material may not dissolve easily in water and wash away or dilute. If it doesn’t, it can either stay suspended on the surface of the water, or settle in sediments on the bottom of a water source (water-pollution.org.uk)
– Ocean Acidification
An ongoing decrease of the ocean’s pH level, from absorption of CO2 in the air
– Acid Rain
Has many ecological effects … such waters more acidic, which results in more aluminum absorption from soil, which is carried into lakes and streams. That combination makes waters toxic to … aquatic animals (nationalgeographic.com)
– *Overuse Of Groundwater
Can cause salinity issues in water sources
Although this isn’t traditionally seen as water pollution – it is a water quality issue.
Types Of Water Sources That Get Polluted
There’s three main types of water sources that can get polluted – surface water, ground water, and ocean/marine water.
Surface Water Pollution
This is the pollution of above ground water sources like rivers and lakes
Surface Water Pollution In The US
We already outlined how surface water gets polluted in the ‘United States Water Pollution’ section above
However, below we can see that notable % of surface water in the US might be considered polluted
nrdc.org indicates that for surface water specifically in the United States:
… nearly half of … rivers and streams and more than one-third of … lakes are polluted and unfit for swimming, fishing, and drinking
Other Information About Surface Water Pollution
Read more about surface water pollution in the pollutionissues.com report
Groundwater Pollution
This is the pollution of water in aquifers underground
Groundwater Pollution In The US
We already outlined above in the ‘United States Water Pollution’ section how ground water gets polluted there.
However, ground water in the US may be responsible for the cross contamination of surface water sources, and might be hard to clean.
nrdc.org indicates that for ground water specifically in the United States:
[Ground water sources can be hard to clean, and can cross contaminate other water sources like lakes and rivers]
Other Information About Groundwater Pollution
Read more about groundwater pollution in these guides:
‘Water pollution of fresh water’ at pollutionissues.com
‘Ground water contamination’ at groundwater.org
Ocean Water Pollution
Pollution of the oceans and water in sea/marine environments
How Ocean Water Pollution Happens, & Common Pollutants
Land based contaminants and waste, as well as carbon emissions in the atmosphere may lead to ocean water pollution.
From nrdc.org:
[About 80% of] ocean pollution … originates on land [and there’s a range of contaminants and wastes that can be carried into oceans]
[The ocean also absorbs as much as one quarter of man made carbon emissions from the atmosphere]
Other Information About Ocean Water Pollution
Read more about marine pollution in the nrdc.org report
Freshwater vs Marine Water Water Pollution
Water pollution and contamination can affect fresh water, or ocean water
Although ocean water pollution might have side effects that make it important to address, fresh water pollution is arguably more important to address
The reason for this is because we depend on fresh water so heavily for so many things across society, with drinking water being a major example
There is also a water footprint for essentially all everyday products we buy and the foods we eat
Fresh water pollution and contamination can contribute to global water problems like water stress and scarcity, as well as a number of other water issues, because it decreases the amount of suitable quality water we can use across society for different uses
Point Source vs Non Point Source vs Transboundary Water Pollution
The concepts of Point Source, Non Point Source, and Transboundary exist in water pollution.
Point source and non point source water pollution relate to the number of points at which a body of water is polluted
Non point source water pollution may be the most common form of water pollution in the US according to one report
Transboundary water pollution involves water pollution in one geographic location polluting water in another geographic location i.e. crossing geographic borders
An explanation of these points might be:
– Point Source Water Pollution
This is the pollution of water from a single point/source
An example might be a single discharge pipe for waste water/effluent
– Non Point Source Water Pollution
This is when water is polluted or contaminated from multiple points, instead of one single point or source.
An example might be pesticide which can drift in the air and pollute water, and, sink into soil and pollute ground water from multiple points.
Another example can be one body of water being polluted from several different points with several different types of pollutants – we see this in the ocean when all different types of industrial waste can be dumped into it from different points along the coast or in the sea.
nrdc.org indicates that:
Non point source pollution is the leading cause of water pollution in U.S. waters, but it’s difficult to regulate, since there’s no single, identifiable culprit
– Transboundary Water Pollution
This is when water pollution originates in one country or geographic region, and that polluted water is able to cross a geographic border in some way, and pollute water in another country or geographic region.
For example, pollution in a river in one country may cause fresh water or ocean pollution in another country if that river spans or connects into a water source in another country.
Similarly, an oil spill in the ocean zone of one country may drift to the ocean zone of another country.
Potential Effects/Impact Of Water Pollution
Effects Of Water Pollution Can Differ
Depending on the pollutant or contaminant, and other variables, the effects of water pollution can differ.
Areas That Water Pollution Can Affect
Water pollution may affect the following areas of society:
– Impact On Humans & Human Health
– Impact On Wild Life & Animals (& Other Living Organisms)
– Impact On The Natural Environment
– Impact On The Economy
More Information On Effects
Read more about the effects of water pollution in the nrdc.org report
Potential Impact Of Water Pollution On Humans & Human Health
Human Health
Humans may either be exposed to, or come into contact with polluted or contaminated water, or even consume it in some cities and regions.
The range of effects might range from minor, all the way up to being linked to health issues, and even mortality.
Lower income regions might be most affected.
Children might be affected in the regions where water pollution and contamination is worst.
Even in higher income and developed countries, humans may either drink contaminated tap water, or consume seafood that has been exposed to heavy metal pollution (or other types of pollution) in the ocean.
Some stats to consider might be …
– People Potentially Most At Risk
… low-income communities are disproportionately at risk [to water pollution] because their homes are often closest to the most polluting industries (nrdc.org)
– Sickness
Every year, unsafe water sickens about 1 billion people (nrdc.org)
– Total Mortality
[Water pollution] caused 1.8 million deaths in 2015 (nrdc.org)
Every year 3,575,000 people die from water related diseases (theworldcounts.com)
– Child Mortality
Globally, 1.5 million children under five die … as a result of water-related diseases (weforum.org)
– Other Information On Water Contamination In Underdeveloped & Developing Regions
Other Potential Social Effects
Water is so important to everything we do across society.
Water pollution and contamination can have an impact on people’s education, employment, incomes, and livelihoods.
One stat illustrating this might be …
– Lost Work Days
Globally … 200 million days of work are lost each year as a result of water-related diseases (weforum.org)
Impact Of Water Pollution On Animals & Wild Life
Animals, wildlife and living organisms can:
– Drink/consume and come into contact with polluted or contaminated water, which can cause health or mortality problems
– Live in polluted and contaminated water if they are an aquatic species, and the impact is that the environment they live in is degraded
There’s ultimately a range of water pollutants and contaminants that can impact animals and wildlife, and they can lead to a range of effects, with eutrophication being one example.
Pollutants That Can Impact Animals & Wildlife
[Pathogens and bacteria, algal blooms that produce neurotoxins, chemicals and heavy metals, plastic and other hard waste, and other solid debris can be ingested by wild life or they can become entangled in plastic nets and other solid waste material, and ocean acidification, can all impact animals in the water] (nrdc.org)
Eutrophication Caused By Water Pollution
Eutrophication can create ‘dead zones’ in the water where there is a lack of oxygen for aquatic species living in them (nrdc.org)
Impact Of Water On The Environment
Pollutants and contaminants can get into different environments and ecosystems in the biosphere, and disrupt environmental functions and processes.
One example of this is soil becoming contaminated, and plant life and organisms like worms and healthy bacteria being affected.
From nrdc.org:
[Water pollution generally disrupts the] complex web of animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi … which interact, directly or indirectly, with each other
… this leads to a chain effect in the environment where plant life and living organisms can be affected, but also the soil, air and other water sources
Impact Of Water Pollution On The Economy
Water pollution and contamination can:
– Impact the amount of quality water available for economic production, which impacts production, GDP, and other aspects of the economy
– Cost a significant amount of money to clean up in polluted and contaminated water sources
The overall impact of water pollution on the economy is hard to estimate because of the different sources of water pollution and the various industries they each impact.
Below are some potential economic costs of water pollution in India and the US.
Potential Economic Cost Of Water Pollution To India’s Economy
From weforum.org:
[In some region in the world, such as India, water pollution can reduce GDP growth by a third or a half]
[Water pollution can also reduce agricultural revenues, as well as agricultural yields]
The health costs relating to water pollution [in India] are alone estimated at about INR 470-610 billion ($6.7-8.7 billion per year) – most associated with diarrheal mortality and morbidity of children under five and other population morbidities
Cost To Remove Pollutants From Water In The US
From epa.gov:
… [For] nutrient pollution alone in the US [there is a cost] to remove nitrates and algal blooms from drinking water [and it] can cost in the billions to clean up one water source
… there are [also] tourism losses (close to $1 billion a year), commercial fishing and shellfish losses (can be tens of millions of dollars a year), and real estate losses.
Read more about nutrient pollution in the epa.gov report
Potential Solutions To Water Pollution
Water Pollution Stats
From the stats below, we can see that waste water, industrial waste, and sewage waste end up entering different water sources worldwide at large volumes.
Waste water and industrial waste in particular generally aren’t treated before being dumped into water sources.
Wastewater
Some 80 percent of the world’s wastewater is dumped—largely untreated—back into the environment, polluting rivers, lakes, and oceans (nrdc.org)
Industrial Waste
70 percent of industrial wastes are dumped untreated into waters, polluting the usable water supply (nationalgeographic.com).
Sewage & Effluents
Every day, 2 million tons of sewage and other effluents drain into the world’s waters (un.org)
How Water Pollution Can Impact Water Quality Problems
Water quality problems might mostly be caused by eutrophication, caused by water pollution from high nutrient loads from agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, & atmospheric inputs from burning fossil fuels as well as bush fires
In regards to agricultural runoff, there might be certain foods that have the highest eutrophying emissions
There may also be new water quality concerns arising from personal care products and pharmaceuticals
Most Common Water Quality Problems
From un.org:
Globally, the most prevalent water quality problem is eutrophication, a result of high-nutrient loads (mainly phosphorus and nitrogen)
Major nutrient sources include agricultural runoff, domestic sewage (also a source of microbial pollution), industrial effluents and atmospheric inputs from fossil fuel burning and bush fires.
There’s also a table available at wikipedia.org
This table identifies the food type with the highest levels of eutrophying emissions per 100 grams of protein.
Beef, farmed fish, farmed crustaceans, cheese, lamb and mutton, pork, and poultry (in that order from highest emissions to lowest), are listed/identified as some of the foods with the highest emission levels.
Emerging Water Quality Problems
From un.org:
An emerging water quality concern is the impact of personal care products and pharmaceuticals, such as birth control pills, painkillers and antibiotics, on aquatic ecosystems.
Little is known about their long-term human or ecosystem impacts, although some are believed to mimic natural hormones in humans and other species.
More About Water Quality
Water pollution impacts the quality of water.
Some of the guides we’ve published about water quality include:
Understanding Water Quality Standards & Regulations For Drinking Water & Non Potable Water
How To Research Tap Water Quality
Potential Solutions ‘Water Quality’ Related Problems
Sources
1. https://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/quality.shtml
2. https://www.water-pollution.org.uk/suspended-matter/
3. http://eschooltoday.com/pollution/water-pollution/types-of-water-pollution.html
4. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/acid-rain/
5. https://www.epa.gov/acidrain/effects-acid-rain
6. Various ‘Better Meets Reality’ guides
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_pesticides
8. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know
9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_pollution
10. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/whats-your-drinking-water
11. https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/effects-economy
12. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/10/water-pollution-in-india-data-tech-solution/
13. https://www.theworldcounts.com/counters/interesting_water_facts/dirty_water_diseases
14. http://www.pollutionissues.com/Ve-Z/Water-Pollution-Freshwater.html
15. https://www.groundwater.org/get-informed/groundwater/contamination.html
16, https://www.nrdc.org/stories/ocean-pollution-dirty-facts
17. https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries/planetary-boundaries/about-the-research/the-nine-planetary-boundaries.html
18. https://www.explainthatstuff.com/waterpollution.html
19. http://all-about-water-filters.com/producers-water-pollution-around-the-world/
20. http://all-about-water-filters.com/cities-where-water-pollution-occurs-the-most/
21. https://bestlifeonline.com/countries-with-worst-tap-water/
22. https://www.businessinsider.com.au/cities-worst-tap-water-us-2019-3?r=US&IR=T
23. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/pollution/
24. http://www.oecd.org/tad/sustainable-agriculture/5_background_note.pdf
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