While water companies like Xylem are coming up with advanced water solutions in Australia, there are some things we can do to reduce water pollution even without sophisticated technology. We all understand that clean water is very important in our lives. Yet, a lot of things we do contribute to water pollution in numerous ways. In this post, we will describe some of the cheap and easy ways to protect water.

Dispose of toxic materials properly

Pesticides, household solvents, and cleaners might not seem toxic. But paint, bleach, ammonia, paint thinner and other chemicals are becoming a problem. If you combine the total number of people every month dumping these toxic materials down the drain, the effects add up and can be devastating. This is why it is important to maintain proper waste disposal. A lot of chemicals we use in our homes can be recycled. If your community has a recycling centre then used motor oil, old paint and other chemicals can be taken to the recycling centre to have them recycled. Community collection centres also exist in some areas. If your community has a hazardous waste collection day then you can give them these wastes instead of disposing of them inappropriately.

Bear in mind water pollution while shopping

You can avoid issues with pesticides and household chemicals by not buying products that contain dangerous chemicals in the first place. A lot of companies sell biodegradable and non-toxic cleaners and pesticides. You can spend a little more on these products and cut down the cost of costly water solutions .

Avoid pouring grease and fat down the drain

Fat, grease and cooking oil should be disposed of in the trash bin. When you flash them in the toilet or pour them down the drain then you may cause problems to your pipes and make them clog. Also, once you pour these contaminants down the drain, they will find their way down to the river and other water bodies and contaminate them. Oil can kill fish and other marine life.

Use phosphate-free dish cleaner and detergent

You can cut down on water pollution by using enough of these cleaners. Phosphates are not the only harmful chemicals in detergents. Phosphates are known to cause algae blooms and kill aquatic animals and fish by reducing the oxygen in the water.

Inspect your sump pump

Sometimes, sump pumps drain into the sanitary sewer pipes. When this happens, heavy metals, biological wastes, cleaning chemicals are dumped into the system. If you have a cellar drain or a sump pump and are not sure where they drain water to, you should find out by checking with the pollution control department in your city.

Practice proper disposal of medical waste

The most effective water solutions in Australia are the preventative measures we take daily. To avoid polluting water, it is important to avoid flushing medicines down the toilet. We should avoid dumping them in the creek or the nearest pond. The drugs accumulate in water and other wildlife. Harmful compounds and hormones end up causing health problems in birds, fish and contaminate drinking water that we use.