Water is the world’s most essential resource. But year after year, the water pollution crisis continues to worsen. Our actions are causing detrimental damage to all of the world’s water. Staying educated on the top causes of water pollution and how you can reduce your impact could help save lives and the planet. Here are the four leading causes of the world’s water pollution.

1. Agricultural 

Unsuspectingly, farms are one of the main contributors to water pollution due to a number of different factors. The sewage runoff from livestock infiltrates the groundwater and makes its way into local waterways, causing water toxicity. Fertilizers and pesticides from crops also cause pollutants to make their way into water systems, especially after flooding.

How you can help: Reducing the amount of meat you consume can help reduce the demand for livestock long-term. This will help with livestock waste and crop pollutants as more than 40% of the world’s grain is used to feed farm animals.

2. Sewage and Wastewater

The United Nations states that more than 80% of the world’s wastewater is put back into the environment without treatment. In some developing nations, that number is closer to 95%. This water is emptied into areas with fresh water, contaminating it and making it unusable.

How you can help: Reducing the amount of water you use daily can help lower the amount of wastewater that gets returned to freshwater sources. Try taking less frequent or shorter showers, installing rain barrels for gardening or plant care, or taking care of leaks.

3. Oil Spills

Oil pollution is more common than you might think. While it is often caused by oil drilling in the ocean, most oil pollution comes from inland factories, farms, and cities. Oil pollution makes drinking water unsafe and is detrimental to marine life.

How you can help: Ensure that your land and water vehicles are properly maintained so that oil leaks and fuel spills are less likely. You can also reduce the amount of gas and oil you use by investing in more sustainable forms of energy, such as solar panels, hybrid or electric cars, and household appliances that use less energy.

4. Ocean Dumping

Ocean dumping is the intentional disposal of waste or debris into seas and oceans from boats, air crafts, or other human platforms. Most items that are dumped into the water can take up to two hundred years to completely decompose, releasing contaminants such as microplastics and adversely affecting marine life.

How you can help: The old mandate to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle still stands strong. Reduce the amount of plastic you use and the waste you create. Reuse furniture, clothing, glass jars, and anything you can creatively think of! Recycle plastic, cans, paper, and batteries. You can also check with the producers of some of your favorite household items (like ScrubDaddy) – they might have recycling programs you could benefit from. 

Small steps toward sustainability today can make a big difference for tomorrow. At Filtrol, we are doing our part to help keep the world’s water clean by providing an accessible laundry filtration system to allow you to reduce microplastic pollution at home.