Last week Enviro Girl took a trip to Utah and en route she met a man who works for the U.S. Geological Survey. They discussed all kinds of things geological — earthquakes, maps, topography, flood management and he explained that one of the BIG things the USGS is doing NOW is a long-range study of water. Over 6,000 scientists are committed by the USGS to start addressing issues of drought and water safety. Mr. USGS explained that concentrated levels of hormones and chemicals have raised the alarm, especially since most of our nation’s drinking water supplies come from closed systems — tap water goes to sewage treatment plants equipped to clean sewage out of the water, but they don’t filter out the smaller stuff that continues to be introduced into water systems — thus leading to more concentration.
In addition to water use and availability, safety is of serious concern. From agricultural chemicals like pesticides and herbicides to mercury and phosphorus, higher and higher levels are being detected in wetlands, streams and rivers. Industrial waste leaves toxins in waterways and these toxins affect wildlife and plants. Household contaminates like pharmaceuticals, cleaning supplies and even irresponsibly dumped materials like motor oil settle into city water systems. The signs of our unhealthy water use is already here: drought in the southern and western states, fish and frogs losing their male sex organs, algae bloom taking over lakes and streams, raw sewage pouring onto beaches.
Clean water is a huge issue for life on our planet. Water is essential for life, we need it and we need it to be potable. Learn more about this important issue by watching Frontline: Poisoned Waters on PBS this week or watch the full program online.
Support clean water by doing your part:
* Learn more about water safety issues
* Support SmartGrowth and other land use initiatives that deter urban sprawl
* Use phosphorus, biodegradable, natural cleaning supplies in your household
* Ask your water management officials what your water is being tested and treated for
* Preserve and create wetlands, prairies and wildlife habitats that allow water to be filtered naturally and preserve its integrity
* Use water wisely, conserve it by using less
* And as always, reduce, reuse and recycle!
That’s pretty scary.