Question

Suggest various remedial and control measures to minimise water pollution.

Answer 1

1. Treat domestic sewage and industrial effluents in treatment plants before discharging the water into rivers, lakes or seas.
2. Keep sewage and industrial wastewater in separate channels, and prevent untreated sewage from entering water bodies.
3. Use septic tanks where suitable so that faecal matter and household waste do not flow directly into rivers or drains.
4. Do not dump rubbish, plastics, food scraps, paper or other waste into drains, ponds, lakes or rivers; dispose of waste properly and recycle it where possible.
5. Avoid washing clothes, bathing animals or washing vehicles in rivers, lakes and ponds, as these activities contaminate the water.
6. Reduce the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and prevent agricultural runoff from carrying them into water bodies. Organic farming can help reduce this pollution.
7. Divert suitable organic waste from industries, such as distilleries, to biogas plants for treatment and energy generation.
8. Follow and enforce safety standards for wastewater discharged into water systems, and regularly monitor water quality.
9. Prevent oil and other hazardous substances from leaking or being discharged into water, and respond promptly to spills.
10. Promote public awareness and community participation in keeping water sources clean.