What we need to know is water pollution and ways to protect water resources

 All of us need to stop waste and conserve water. Careful and economical use of water will help in conserving water. Water can be conserved on a large scale by a method known as rainwater harvesting. This is done by collecting the rainwater in huge pits and strong for use later.

In cities, rainwater flowing from the roof of houses is collected into a storage tank by pipes. Instead of collecting the rainwater in a tank, the pipes can go directly into a pit in the ground.

The water then seeps into the ground soil and restores the groundwater level. You can help in the conservation of water by paying attention to the following at your home, school and neighbourhood.

Don’t waste or throw water while taking a bath. You can use this water for watering plants.

Don’t flush the toilet when not required

Don’t leave the tap running. Close water taps while brushing teeth or shaving.

Repair leaky taps immediately.

Advise friends and kids, younger than you about the conservation of water.

Water pollution

Pollution means the spreading of harmful, unwanted substances. Water is said to be polluted if it is not fit for drinking bathing or washing, Substances which pollute the water are called pollutants. Several chemical substances, sewage, garbage etc., pollute water. The major causes of water pollution are as follows:

Disposal of waste into the water: If sewage, garbage and liquid wastes from factories and homes are discharged into water sources like rivers, lakes or ponds the water gets polluted.

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides: Farmers use fertilizers for the growth of plants and pesticides to protect crops from harmful insects. Though these chemicals are good for plants, they are harmful to human beings and when mixed with water pollute the water.

Disposal of human waste and animal dung in water: The rain washes away human excreta and animal dung into rivers, ponds and lakes which pollute water.

Prevention of water pollution

Clean water is necessary for health. Therefore everyone in the community must ensure that pollution of water is prevented.

Industrial waste should not be allowed to get mixed with water sources. It should be treated.

Garbage and other waste materials should not be accumulated near any water source. This is to avoid any chance of garbage flowing into the river or water source.

Dead bodies of humans and animals should not be thrown into rivers.

Bathing and washing of clothes near water sources should be avoided.

The water of rivers and lakes etc should be purified from time to time by treating with chemicals, removal of mud silt etc.,