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Environmental Health: Water Pollution Lauren Dobler and Jessica McEntyre

Facts Water pollution is contamination of water that causes negative effects on life and health. Water can be contaminated in many ways by sewage, chemicals, radioactive wastes, and other substances being accidently spilled or dumped into fresh water. Plastic litter is also a major water pollutant, causing enormous destruction to marine life. It is believed that annually plastic litter is responsible for the deaths of more than 100,000 marine mammals, 1 million sea birds and countless fishes. It is believed that water pollution is the leading worldwide cause of deaths and diseases responsible for around 15,000 deaths each day. About 20% of the world's population lacks access to safe drinking water and about 50% lacks adequate sanitation.

Facts Over 73 different kinds of pesticides have been found in the groundwater that we eventually use to drink. 1.2 trillion gallons of sewage, storm water and industrial waste are discharged into U.S. waters every year. 40% of America's rivers are too polluted for fishing, swimming, or aquatic life. Even worse are America's lakes—46% are too polluted for fishing, swimming, or aquatic life. Americans use over 2.2 billion pounds of pesticides every year, which eventually washes into our rivers and lakes

How to prevent water pollution! Do not dump garbage or toxic chemicals into lakes, streams, rivers, ponds, storm sewers, or ditches. Do not pour toxic chemicals down the drain or into the toilet. Dispose of them at hazardous waste collection centers. Plant trees and shrubs to discourage water runoff and soil erosion. Support community efforts to clean up rivers, lakes, and streams, and to preserve wetlands.

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