HIAW - Effects of Water Pollution Lesson

Effects of Water Pollution

What's the Big Deal?

So we have water pollution. What's the big deal? How does this affect our daily lives?

Watch the video below to learn the effects of water pollution in one of the most polluted cities in the world.

If these low -level pollutants are unsafe for us to drink what is water pollution doing to our ecosystems?

Effects of Water Pollution on the Ecosystem

Effects of Water Pollution on Humans

Unsafe water supplies have drastic effects on human health. Waterborne diseases are diseases due to microscopic pathogens in fresh water. These diseases can be caused by protozoa, viruses, bacteria, and intestinal parasites.

Diseases

In many parts of the world there are no water treatment plants. If sewage or animal manure gets into a river, then people downstream will get sick when they drink the water. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrheal disease is responsible for the deaths of 1.8 million people every year. It was estimated that 88% of the cases of diarrheal diseases are caused by unsafe water supplies. Drinking or consuming polluted water in any way has many disastrous effects on our health. Diseases that are transmitted in polluted water include guinea worm disease, typhoid, dysentery, and others. Water related disease can cause almost 3.5 millions deaths a year.

Water Pollution can have disastrous effects on the ecosystem which in turn will impact human life. But is can also have a direct impact through waterborne diseases. Waterborne diseases are conditions caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are transmitted in water. Disease can be spread while bathing, washing or drinking water, or by eating food exposed to contaminated water. While diarrhea and vomiting are the most commonly reported symptoms of waterborne illness, other symptoms can include skin, ear, respiratory, or eye problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Waterborne diseases are caused by pathogenic microbes that can be directly spread through contaminated water. Most waterborne diseases cause diarrheal illness [Note: not all diseases listed below cause diarrhea]. Eighty-eight percent of diarrhea cases worldwide are linked to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation or insufficient hygiene. These cases result in 1.8 million deaths each year, mostly in young children. The usual cause of death is dehydration. Most cases of diarrheal illness and death occur in developing countries because of unsafe water, poor sanitation, and insufficient hygiene. Other waterborne diseases do not cause diarrhea; instead these diseases can cause malnutrition, skin infections, and organ damage.

In developed countries wastewater can be treated and reused. Wastewater is water that contains wastes from homes or industry. The purpose of wastewater treatment is to make water clean enough to return to lakes or rivers. Wastewater treatment plants are able to accommodate and clean most of what goes down the drain or toilet. Most homes have two types of wastewater: greywater and blackwater.

• Greywater is waste produced from washing hands, clothes, and bathing.
• Blackwater is waste produced from toilets, kitchen sinks, and dishwashers.

But what about countries that do not have the infrastructure for waste water treatment? In many parts of the world there are no water treatment plants. Water borne diseases are diseases due to microscopic pathogens in fresh water. These diseases can be caused by protozoa, viruses, and bacteria, and intestinal parasites.

Need for Safe Water

Learn the basics about the effect of water pollutants by watching the video below. 

Death by Diarrhea

 If sewage or animal manure gets into a river, then people downstream will get sick when they drink the water. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrheal disease is responsible for the deaths of 1.8 million people every year. It was estimated that 88% of the cases of diarrheal disease are caused by unsafe water supplies.

The image below shows diseases that are caused by drinking polluted water. 

Sewage and Diseases Run Rampant

Sewage and Diseases Run Rampant

 There have been a number of efforts made by governments to clean up existing water pollution and prevent future pollution, including education of how diseases are transmitted as seen in the education poster below. 

Effects of Water Pollution Challenge

Before You Go, You Need To Know

The following key points are from this explore section of the lesson. You must know the following information before moving to the next lesson. This is just a summary of the key points.Observation: Using our senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell) to collect information about the problem we are trying to solve.

IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS  OR OPEN SOURCE