Water pollution is a serious environmental problem. After all, water is essential for the existence of all living organisms, including people.

Organic matter, helminth eggs, pathogenic bacteria, sulfates, chlorides, iron are just a few of the “bonuses” that we get with water. Today we will talk about the causes and consequences of the current situation. We will try not to turn this article into a horror story, even though we ourselves are already a little creeped out.

Sources of pollution are:

• Wastewater
• Farms
• Industrial waste
• Oil leaks
• Solid waste
• Thermal pollution
• Atmospheric pollution
• Plastic contamination

What’s the impact of water pollution?

1. Problems with drinking water
   To support life on earth, we need clean drinking water. But because water is polluted in many different ways, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find clean sources of water to drink.

2. Threat to the life of aquatic organisms
   The life of aquatic organisms is in danger due to water pollution. We are already witnessing the extinction of many species of aquatic plants and animals.

3. Contamination of the food chain
   Microplastics, which are consumed by tiny organisms, move up the chain. These organisms are eaten by small fish, which are then eaten by larger fish.

4. Problems of agriculture
   Irrigation water is often obtained from local waters. But when toxic chemicals contaminate these bodies of water, they can damage the nutritional value of crops and be harmful to people who consume these crops.

And here is a small list of the effects of dirty water on the human body:

• Increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
• High pressure on the kidneys and genitourinary system.
• All kinds of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, from gastritis to stomach ulcers and serious disorders of the digestive function.
• Chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
• Severe liver damage, which in some cases may be irreversible.
• Metabolic disorders.
• Endocrine system lesions.

So, how can you help?

• Use water wisely

Turn off the tap when water is not needed, save water when bathing and when you're washing dishes.

• Not everything can be poured into the sink

Don't throw chemicals, medicines, paint and oil down the sink or toilet - these are the toughest contaminants to deal with. Throw all of those into the trash can.

• Buy environmentally friendly cleaning products

More and more environmentally friendly detergents are now emerging: phosphate-free laundry detergents, lower-chemical dish washing detergents and other household products. Pay attention to them if you want to contribute to the future of ecology.

• Switch to organic fertilizers

If you have your own garden or vegetable garden, then try to use fewer pesticides and chemical fertilizers.