15 Facts About Water pollution

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human activities, so that it negatively affects its uses.

Water pollution bodies include lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers, reservoirs and groundwater.

Water pollution can be attributed to one of four sources: sewage discharges, industrial activities, agricultural activities, and urban runoff including stormwater.

Water pollution reduces the ability of the body of water to provide the ecosystem services that it would otherwise provide.

Control of water pollution requires appropriate infrastructure and management plans as well as legislation.

Practical definition of water pollution is: "Water pollution is the addition of substances or energy forms that directly or indirectly alter the nature of the water body in such a manner that negatively affects its legitimate uses".

Therefore, pollution is associated with concepts attributed to humans, namely the negative alterations and the uses of the water body.

Water pollution is typically referred to as polluted when it is impaired by anthropogenic contaminants.

Nutrient Water pollution refers to contamination by excessive inputs of nutrients.

In many areas of the world, groundwater pollution poses a hazard to the wellbeing of people and ecosystems.

Point source water pollution refers to contaminants that enter a waterway from a single, identifiable source, such as a pipe or ditch.

Water pollution is a major global environmental problem because it can result in the degradation of all aquatic ecosystems – fresh, coastal, and ocean waters.

Water pollution is a problem in developing countries as well as in developed countries.

Control of water pollution requires appropriate infrastructure and management plans.

Water pollution requires ongoing evaluation and revision of water resource policy at all levels .