Water contamination is a dangerous situation around the world. Certain substances can contaminate large amounts of water in just small doses.
Some people think that disposing of something through the sink or toilet will not have any consequences, but that’s not true. Learn these five thoughtful ways to prevent water contamination at home and do your part.
Don’t pour cooking oil down the drain
After cooking with oil, we often pour it down the drain because it’s liquid. This is hazardous because water and oil do not mix, but it does contaminate. Oil will travel long distances and spread over gallons and gallons of water. A good solution is to collect the oil inside a jar and dispose of it in the trash can when full.
Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket
A decent number of products can go inside the toilet because of their properties. Usually, they will disintegrate or dissolve. Water is delicate, and even if some chemical products work for cleaning toilets, you should use the minimum amount and never dispose of chemical products in the toilet. You should dispose of products like pills, powders, or drugs in designated locations.
Check your backflow relief valve
Your water pipes at home should have a backflow valve that prevents water from going in two directions, risking contamination of drinking water. Once the water comes out, it should never return the same way it came. Check for signs to replace your backflow valve to prevent any possible contamination that could put your health at risk.
Reduce using your garbage disposal
As difficult as this may sound, garbage disposals contribute to dumping contaminants into the sewer system. It is a simple solution to throw solids into the sink and break them apart, but this also has consequences like water contamination. Instead, you can make a compost pile from vegetable scraps; some companies will provide you with compost buckets and pick them up at your door once a week.
Avoid plastic containers
A practical and thoughtful way to prevent water contamination at home is not buying plastic containers, especially for products you use like toothpaste, soap, or hand sanitizer. Plastic takes a very long time to degrade without recycling. A good option is buying reusable containers and filling them with the products you need.
