The goal of avoiding contamination in our drinking water source is our own health! We do this to preserve water quality, and maintain balance in our ecosystem. Preventing pollutants like chemicals, bacteria, and hosehold waste ensures safe, clean water for our consumption. Stranooden GWS has effective prevention plans, management, treatment, and pollution controls to help sustain our reliable and healthy water.
Organic Contamination
Organic contamination in rivers and streams occurs due to the introduction of biodegradable substances such as sewage, food waste, decaying vegetation, and industrial discharge. Here are some common sources:
- Urban Runoff – Stormwater can carry organic pollutants like pet waste, leaves, and litter into water bodies.
- Wastewater Discharge – Untreated or poorly treated sewage releases organic matter, bacteria, and nutrients into rivers.
- Deforestation – Removing trees and plants leads to increased erosion, carrying organic debris into streams.
- Landfills and Dumping – Leachate from improperly managed waste sites can seep into waterways, introducing organic contaminants.
- Algae Blooms – Excess nutrients from organic waste promote algal growth, which decomposes and depletes oxygen levels.
These contaminants can lead to oxygen depletion, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems.
Industrial Contamination
Industrial contamination in rivers and streams occurs when factories and manufacturing plants release pollutants into waterways. Common sources include chemical spills, wastewater discharge, and improper waste disposal. Heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and organic solvents from industries like mining, textiles, and pharmaceuticals pollute water bodies. Thermal pollution from power plants also raises water temperatures, affecting aquatic life. Leaks from pipelines and storage tanks introduce harmful substances. Rainwater runoff from industrial zones carries contaminants into rivers, degrading water quality, harming ecosystems, and posing health risks to humans and wildlife.
Domestic contamination
Domestic contamination in rivers and streams occurs when household waste and sewage enter water bodies. Improperly treated wastewater from homes releases detergents, pharmaceuticals, and bacteria into rivers. Leaking septic tanks and sewer overflows introduce pathogens and organic waste, reducing oxygen levels. Runoff from urban areas carries litter, oils, and chemicals from cleaning products into streams. Excess nutrients from food waste and yard debris promote algal blooms, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Poor waste disposal and plastic pollution further degrade water quality, harming marine life and posing health risks to communities.
Farm Contamination
Farm contamination affects rivers and streams by introducing excess nutrients, chemicals, and organic matter into water bodies. Common sources include:
- Nutrient Runoff – Excess fertilizers rich in nitrogen and phosphorus wash into rivers, causing harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life.
- Pesticides and Herbicides – Chemicals used to control pests and weeds can enter waterways, harming fish, amphibians, and other organisms.
- Sediment Pollution – Soil erosion from plowed fields increases sediment levels, reducing water clarity and smothering aquatic habitats.
- Animal Waste – Manure runoff introduces bacteria, pathogens, and organic matter, leading to oxygen depletion and waterborne diseases.
These contaminants degrade water quality, disrupt ecosystems, and threaten human health.
