Water pollution

HUMAN

Water

Pollution

WhAT IS WATER POLLUTION?

What Are the Causes of Water Pollution?

Water is uniquely vulnerable to pollution. Known as a “universal solvent,” water is able to dissolve more substances than any other liquid on earth. Toxic substances from farms, towns, and factories readily dissolve into and mix with it, causing water pollution.

Water pollution occurs when chemicals or microorganisms contaminate river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment.

What Are the Effects of Water Pollution?

• On human health

A wide range of chemical pollutants—from heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury to pesticides and nitrate fertilizers—are getting into our water supplies. Once they’re ingested, these toxins can cause a host of health issues, from cancer to hormone disruption to altered brain function. Children and pregnant women are particularly at risk.

• On the environment

healthy ecosystems rely on a complex web of animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi—all of which interact, directly or indirectly, with each other. Harm to any of these organisms can create a chain effect, imperiling entire aquatic environments.

All togueter makes the diference

What Can You Do to Prevent Water Pollution?

• With your actions

We’re all accountable for today’s water pollution problem.

• With your voice

One of the most effective ways to stand up for our waters is to speak out in support of the Clean Water Rule, which clarifies the Clean Water Act’s scope and protects the drinking water of one in three people.

All together makes the difference