Dr. Karen Bell
Keep the freedom beautiful
Rainwater pollution prevention: protection of our waterways after the other case!
Keep on the Liberty custodian during the world month of the world to sharpen the awareness in our community for rainwater pollution and its causes. It is an environmental problem for today's urban and suburban communities.
When rainwater flows over streets, roofs and lawn areas, collects and carries a variety of pollutants that finally enter our local rivers, lakes and oceans without treatment. This pollution not only affects the health of our waters, but also the fish and other wildlife that they call at home.
The prevention of rainwater pollution is not only of crucial importance, but also the immediate concern for the preservation of water quality, the protection of ecosystems and maintaining public health.
Rainwater is the drain, the appearance when rain or melting of snow flows over impermeable surfaces such as roads, rides, sidewalks and roofs.
In contrast to wastewater from houses and companies, rainwater is usually not treated before it enters natural waters. This drain can absorb pollutants such as oil, fat, pesticides, fertilizers, heavy metals, pet waste and garbage.
The drainage volume generated in developed areas can overwhelm rainwater systems, which leads to localized floods and erosions.
More critical, the pollutants in rainwater affect water quality and damage life in the water. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus of fertilizers can cause algae flowers, exhaust oxygen in the water and create “dead zones” in which marine life cannot survive. Sediment of construction sites can suffocate habitats of fish and clog and damage waterways and damage life in the water.
Even everyday objects such as plastic bags and cigarette heads can represent serious threats to wildlife and ecosystems.
Understanding the sources of rainwater pollution is of essential importance for preventing it. Some of the most common participants are:
• Residential activities: overuse of racing fertilizers and pesticides, improper disposal of household chemicals and remaining pet waste on site.
• Drainage in connection with automobiles: Lecks of vehicles, washing cars on entrances and tire waste can contaminate all drains.
• Construction sites: exposed soil, rubble and chemicals from construction areas can easily be washed in storm processes.
• Industrial and commercial operations: bad handling of materials, leaks and spills can lead to rainwater contamination.
• Illegal discharges: This includes the non -authorized deposits of wastewater in rainwater systems such as washing machines, restaurant fat traps or septic overflowing.
The prevention of rainwater pollution does not require complex changes in the infrastructure or large budgets. It is about the small changes in behavior by individuals and companies that can make a significant difference. Each of us has the strength to protect our waterways. Here are some practical steps that can take communities and residents:
• Use fertilizers and pesticides economical. Only apply what is needed and avoid this from heavy rain.
• Clean by pets. Always dispose of pet waste in the garbage or the toilet – it contains bacteria that can pollute water.
• Repair. Oil and antifreeze that drops on entrances quickly find their way into storm drains.
• Dispose of chemicals correctly. Never water color, engine oil or cleaning agent down a storm outflow. Take them in a facility for dangerous household waste.
• Install rain barrels or cisterns. These collect rainwater for use in gardens and reduce the drainage volume.
• Create quarrels. Planting the local vegetation in low -lying areas can of course filter and absorb rainwater.
• Do the entrances bitch instead of handling them. This reduces the number of pollutants washed on the street.
• Care of sewage pits. Regular inspections and pumps prevent leaks that can contaminate the water supply.
While individual measures are critical, coordinated efforts by local governments and organizations increase the effects. Communities can implement best management practices (BMPS), such as: B.:
• Construction of bioswales, wetlands and green roofs, which of course filter the drain.
• Update the rainwater infrastructure to separate storm drains from sewage systems.
• Implementation of zone regulations that reduce the impermeable surface and promote green spaces.
• Formation of residents and companies on strategies for prevention of pollution.
• Enforcement of construction controls and industrial rainwater permits.
Many local governments also offer incentives or discounts for residents who install environmentally friendly infrastructure or introduce water -friendly landscape practices. Campaigns and school programs for public relations can further raise awareness and build up a culture of ecological responsibility.
Prevention of rainwater pollution is an essential part of more comprehensive environmental protection efforts. Clean water is essential for drinking, relaxation, agriculture and support from wild animals. Since climate change leads to more frequent and more intensive precipitation events, effective rainwater management is becoming increasingly important when protecting infrastructure and municipalities from flooding and water pollution.
Through proactive measures, both individually and together, we can significantly reduce the rainwater pollution, maintain the health of our waterways and ensure cleaner and safer environments for future generations.
Regardless of whether it is garbage, planting a garden or supporting initiatives for green infrastructure, every action is important and contributes to the solution.
Further information on rainwater pollution can be obtained from Contact Heep Liberty Schön at (912) 8804888 or KLCB@Libertycountyga. Government. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook either (@keepliberty buitful) or visit our website: Keeflibertybeautiful.org.