It is not a secret that there’s a real problem in the form of pollution. Many experts estimate that if we are unable to limit global warming to 34.7 degrees Fahrenheit, the consequences may become irreversible. And while it’s easy to simply leave the responsibility to the higher powers in society, the indispensable truth is that this requires a collective effort in order to successfully avert this impending disaster.
It’s not about drastic change, but rather a gradual and consistent correction of bad habits and the reinforcement of good habits. True change often starts at the base level and works its way up. One of the less covered pollutants comes in the form of wastewater. But before we delve further into its effects on the environment, there’s one question that needs to be answered first.
What is wastewater?
Wastewater refers to any liquid waste or sewage that comes from households, hospitals, factories, and any other structure that uses water in its facilities. It is the byproduct of the usage of water. So, whenever you use the faucets or flush a toilet, the water that is used will eventually make it to the ocean and other large bodies of water.
This water is often discharged into a body of water after treatment. But there are many instances when current waste treatment methods are not enough to make it safe for the environment. There are many factors that make it difficult to make the water safe.
Essentially, any water that you use in a household or office will eventually contribute to the volume of wastewater that the property produces. The use of water will fall under either internal and external use.
Internal use includes the use of water in faucets, toilets, and showers. This refers to any water that is coursed through a household’s internal drainage. About 60% of wastewater is made up of water that is used internally.
External use includes water that is used to clean garages, irrigate crops, and water gardens. These do not usually make it to sewage systems as they are absorbed by the soil, or they simply evaporate. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t instances when externally-used water finds its way to drainage systems. This is what makes up 40% of the total wastewater.
How Bad is Wastewater For The Environment?
The fact that we are making water unusable means that we are literally draining water supplies. Despite the fact that the Earth’s surface is mostly made up of bodies of water, consider the fact that we are dumping out waste into those bodies of water. We are literally polluting the water that we could potentially use. But that’s not the full extent of the damage that wastewater causes to the environment.
- Water and Habitat Contamination
- Squalor
- Soil Degradation
- It Contains Harmful Substances
- Wastewater Effects on Water Bodies
- Other Harmful Characteristics of Wastewater
How Do We diminish The Effects of Wastewater on The Environment?
• Conserve Water
• Minimize The Polluting Content Of Wastewater
• Innovative Decentralized Water Technology
• Wastewater Regeneration Technologies
For More Information regarding wastewater treatment
• Health Departments:
• National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC)
• Extension Service
• Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP)
• National Rural Water Association (NRWA)