Environmental Health Unit: Water Pollution Lesson Objectives: TSWBAT identify types, causes, dangers, preventing, and treating water pollution. TSWBAT create solutions and actions to reduce water pollution in our building and at home.

DHQ - Why is water important?

Water Pollution Water covers over 70% of the Earth's surface Very important resource for people and the environment Water pollution affects drinking water, rivers, lakes and oceans all over the world This consequently harms human health and the natural environment.

Types of Pollution Can come from a number of different sources: Single source = point-source pollution (oil spill) Many sources = nonpoint-source pollution (fertilizers, toxic chemicals, bacteria) Most affect the immediate area surrounding the source. May affect the environment hundreds of miles away from the source = transboundary pollution.

Sources of Water Pollution Runoff - when rainwater or melting snow flows across the ground and into the water supply (picks up pesticides, fertilizers, salts) Wastewater – used water from homes, communities, farms, and businesses (can contain pollutants such as human wastes and pathogens) Sediment – runoff can carry soil and other sediments into the water supply Oil – spills from oil tankers and offshore drilling rigs can pollute the water

Great Garbage Patch What do you think??? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTurihxSTnI&feature=grec_index

Dangers of Pollution Virtually all types of water pollution are harmful to the health of humans and animals. Water pollution may not damage our health immediately but can be harmful after long term exposure.

How can you protect the environment? Avoid overwatering lawn and garden Reduce the use of household chemicals Know how to discard hazardous wastes Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Eat a bit less meat, especially beef. A typical hamburger can take 630 gallons to produce. "The Hidden Water We Use” Buy less stuff.  Everything takes water to make. So if we buy less, we shrink our water footprint. Practicing conservation Repair leaky faucets Don’t leave water running unnecessarily Wait until you have a full load before doing laundry or running the dishwasher Install low flow showerheads, toilets, and faucet aerators

Waste Disposal If wastes are not properly contained or destroyed, they can pollute the land and water we rely on to live Many types of waste are biodegradable (able to be broken down by microorganisms in the environment) Solid waste – trash or garbage - Landfills (specially engineered area where waste can be buried safely) - Incineration (burning wastes in specially designed incinerators)

Hazardous Wastes Waste materials with properties that make them dangerous to human health or the environment Corrosive, chemically unstable, highly flammable, or toxic Most must be treated to make them less harmful before being discarded Industrial wastes – solvents used for cleaning and degreasing, sludge and wastewater Household wastes – pesticides, paints, cleaning fluids, and batteries Radioactive wastes – sources such as nuclear power plants produce wastes that emit radiation Mercury – found in medical and dental wastes and in certain parts of cars

Preventing Pollution Conserve water Turn off the tap when running water is not necessary (helps prevent water shortages & reduces amount of water needing treatment) Use tap water rather than bottled water (The US goes through 50 billion water bottles a year) Be careful about what you throw down your sink or toilet. Don't throw paints, oils or other forms of litter down the drain. Use environmentally friendly household products: The production, use and disposal of environmentally unfriendly products create pollution, groundwater contamination and other threats to the ecosystem.

Preventing Pollution Don’t overuse pesticides and fertilizers This will prevent runoffs of the material into nearby water sources. Plants in your garden: prevent fertilizer, pesticides & contaminated water from running off into nearby water sources. Don't throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Help clean up any litter you see on beaches or in rivers and lakes. Make sure it is safe to collect the litter and put it in a nearby bin.

Preventing Pollution…continued Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Because you’re saving hot water, you’ll also reduce your energy bill. If you’re in the market for a toilet, buy a low-volume, ultra low-volume, or dual-flush model. Fix leaky faucets. All those wasted drops add up—sometimes to 10-25 gallons a day. Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when full. When it’s time to replace them, buy a water- and energy-efficient model. Remember, saving water saves energy, and saving energy saves water.

…continued Eat a bit less meat, especially beef. A typical hamburger can take 630 gallons to produce. "The Hidden Water We Use” Buy less stuff.  Everything takes water to make. So if we buy less, we shrink our water footprint. Recycle plastics, glass, metals, and paper. Buy re-usable products rather than throw-aways, as it takes water to make most everything. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and washing the dishes. Shave a minute or two off your shower time. Millions of people doing even the little things makes a difference. Know the source of your drinking water—the river, lake, or aquifer that supplies your home.  Once you know it, you’ll care about it. You just won’t want to waste water.