CHAPTER ONE

Introduction
Water pollution is a major global problem which requires ongoing evaluation and revision
of water resource policy at all levels (international down to individual aquifers and wells). It
has been suggested that water pollution is the leading worldwide cause of deaths and diseases
(Daniel., 2006)( West., 2006)

Groundwater pollution (also called groundwater contamination) occurs when pollutants

are released to the ground and make their way down into groundwater. It can also occur
naturally due to the presence of a minor and unwanted constituent, contaminant or impurity
in the groundwater. Surface water and groundwater have often been studied and managed as
separate resources ( Denver., 1998) Surface water seeps through the soil and becomes
groundwater. Conversely, groundwater can also feed surface water sources. Groundwater
contaminants come from two categories of sources: point sources and distributed, or nonpoint sources. Landfills, leaking gasoline storage tanks, leaking septic tanks, and accidental
spills are examples of point sources. Infiltration from farm land treated with pesticides and
fertilizers is an example of a non-point source.
Among the more significant point sources are municipal landfills and industrial waste
disposal sites. When either of these occur in or near sand and gravel aquifers, the potential for
widespread contamination is the greatest.
Other point sources are individually less significant, but they occur in large numbers all
across the country. Some of these dangerous and widespread sources of contamination are
septic tanks, leaks and spills of petroleum products and of dense industrial organic liquids.

Septic systems are designed so that some of the sewage is degraded in the tank and some is
degraded and absorbed by the surrounding sand and subsoil. Contaminants that may enter
groundwater from septic systems include bacteria, viruses, detergents, and household
cleaners. These can create serious contamination problems. Despite the fact that septic tanks
and cesspools are known sources of contaminants, they are poorly monitored and very little
studied.
Contamination can render groundwater unsuitable for use. In many cases, contamination is
recognized only after groundwater users have been exposed to potential health risks. The cost
of cleaning up contaminated water supplies is usually extremely high.
Contamination problems are increasing in Canada primarily because of the large and growing
number of toxic compounds used in industry and agriculture. In rural Canada, scientists
suspect that many household wells are contaminated by substances from such common
sources as septic systems, underground tanks, used motor oil, road salt, fertilizer, pesticides,
and livestock wastes. Scientists also predict that in the next few decades more contaminated
aquifers will be discovered, new contaminants will be identified, and more contaminated
groundwater will be discharged into wetlands, streams and lakes.
Once an aquifer is contaminated, it may be unusable for decades. The residence time, as
noted earlier, can be anywhere from two weeks or 10 000 years.
Furthermore, the effects of groundwater contamination do not end with the loss of well-water
supplies. Several studies have documented the migration of contaminants from disposal or
spill sites to nearby lakes and rivers as this groundwater passes through the hydrologic cycle,
but the processes are not as yet well understood. In Canada, pollution of surface water by
groundwater is probably at least as serious as the contamination of groundwater supplies.

Preventing contamination in the first place is by far the most practical solution to the
problem. This can be accomplished by the adoption of effective groundwater management
practices by governments, industries and all Canadians. Although progress is being made in
this direction, efforts are hampered by a serious shortage of groundwater experts and a
general lack of knowledge about how groundwater behaves.

CHAPTER TWO
Causes and factors affecting ground water pollution
1. Direct
When learning about what causes groundwater contamination, you should first start with
direct contaminants, as these are the ones youre more likely to come into contact with.

Hazardous waste. When hazardous waste is disposed of or dumped incorrectly, the

chances of it spilling and leaching into soil and water are great. Its very likely for this
type of spill to occur and go completely unnoticed. Unfortunately, this is also true of
more widely recognized hazardous waste spills, but theres very little that can be done
about it. Once a spill occurs, it can almost never be removed from groundwater.

Landfills. Landfills are another direct cause of pollution in groundwater. The longer a
landfill remains full of waste, the more the toxins from that waste seep into the soil
below and around the landfill. This leads to groundwater contamination almost
immediately. When landfills are very large, the amount of groundwater polluted by them
is significant.

Mining is one of the biggest causes of direct water pollution in many areas around the
country. Although there are several other environmental concerns when it comes to
mining and over-mining, water pollution is one of the big ones. When mining is present,
it is much more likely to find dangerous minerals in fresh water supplies. Although a
small amount of minerals present in water is natural and sometimes even beneficial for
humans and animals alike, an overabundance of any of these can potentially cause
severe illness and even death when that water is consumed. It can also cause plant life in
the area to die out quickly as water is no longer able to be absorbed appropriately by
these plants.

Mining also causes water to become much dirtier as the murkiness increases from soil
and other debris sloughing into the supply. This can cause fish to die quickly as they are
no longer able to breathe through their gills properly. The pH balance of water changes
quickly when new minerals are introduced or the balance of those minerals is thrown

off, too. This can cause fish to die as well, and it can also make the water too acidic for
human use. Finally, in areas where salt is present in mines, the water can be turned from
fresh to brackish or salt water, which can severely impact the surrounding ecosystem.

Factories
Factories remain the leading causes of industrial water pollution around the world. Where
factories are present, runoff from those factories can easily enter water supplies either
through surface water or through groundwater, depending on the location. This can severely
impact the quality of the water in the area. Depending on the type of factory, it might cause
the water to become much too alkaline or acidic for existing fish and plant life to survive, and
it might even so severely damage the water that it becomes unsafe for human use.

Factories can also cause the presence of bacteria to increase significantly in any water supply.
As water becomes dirtier from factory waste drifting into the supply, bacteria are provided

with the perfect conditions to thrive. In many cases, factory operations can also cause water
temperatures to rise or fall, and when this happens, it becomes more likely for bacteria
growth to take place. At the same time, the natural nutrients present in the water decrease,
and so the remaining water is left dirty and prone to causing illness and even possible death
to humans and animals that interact with it.

Agriculture
Its important to remember that agriculture itself isnt a problem and that its necessary for
humans to survive. With that said, however, environmentally friendly agricultural practices
should always be the top priority of any small scale farmers and factory farms as well. There
are many agricultural activities that cause water pollution, and these activities must be
reduced by all farms around the country and around the world in order to keep water sources
safe.

One of the many potential problems with farming in terms of water pollution is the possibility
for soil erosion. As areas are plowed and planted again and again, the soil is loosened and
becomes much more prone to drifting into the water supply. This can make the water dirty
and can easily contribute to the rise of bacteria present. Of course, pesticides made with harsh
chemicals are also a problem, especially when they enter into water supplies. Humans and
animals both should not consume these pesticides, but its impossible to avoid it when theyre
used so frequently that they are present in water.
Leaks and Spills
Its no secret that leaks and spills, even while accidental, are some of the most well-known
and well-documented causes of water pollution historically. Youve probably heard of at least
some of these major spills, such as the massive oil spills that have seriously damaged the

ocean and its creatures in past years. However, you might not be aware that smaller-scale
spills happen regularly around the United States and around the world as well. When
handling harsh chemicals and pollutants such as oil or gasoline, the potential for accidents is
always present, and it could have disastrous outcomes.

Unfortunately, energy sources also sometimes suffer leaks and accidents, sometimes to
severely devastating lengths. For example, nuclear power plant leaks, even if small and
quickly contained, have the potential to lead to widespread death and destruction of the
surrounding environment. These major accidents can even spread through water supplies and
through the air to cause problems hundreds of miles away. Although this is a rare occurrence,
the potential is still there, and water supplies are threatened every day by the possibility of
pollutants from nuclear power plants, oil spills, gas leaks, and even small chemical leaks in
residential situations.
Energy
Aside from the possibility of severe leaks from nuclear power plants, various sources of
energy continue to pose potential water pollution issues. Energy is a necessity for human life
to survive and thrive and for the human race to continue progressing into the future.
However, the more energy we use, the more waste is produced from every type of energy we

incorporate into our daily lives. For example, when coal is burned, it causes chemicals to
enter into the atmosphere which can easily run into water supplies and cause serious damage
to the fish and plant life within. This damage can be passed on to humans through
consumption or recreation easily.

In areas where nuclear power plants are present, water is almost always too severely
contaminated to be used for anything. For miles surrounding these plants, fish and plant life
is almost completely gone, and signs warning people to stay out of the water are prevalent.
Individuals who happen to live close to these power plants will experience another type of
water pollution: acid rain. This rain falls frequently around plants that are in operation, and it
causes a lot of damage to plant and animal life in the area. It can even damage property and
peel paint from cars that arent protected from this common occurrence.

Illegal Dumping
In years gone by, it was much more common for individuals as well as companies to dump
waste illegally into water supplies or near areas that could cause contamination of those water
sources. Many chemicals that cause water pollution are present in the garbage and other types
of waste, and dumping in or near water supplies can very quickly lead to a buildup of
pollution that cant be reversed. Today, it isnt as difficult to dispose of waste properly, but
companies and individuals alike still sometimes participate in illegal dumping, usually in
places where it costs a lot of money to pay for regular waste disposal.

One of the best ways to combat this type of pollution is to ensure that garbage disposal
remains cost effective in every city and town around the world. Dumps should be easily
accessible, and it should not cost very much at all to dump even large amounts of waste at
these sites. Companies should always have adequate resources to help dispose of wastes,
especially when those wastes are already chemical in nature and could potentially cause very
serious problems if exposed to water. Cities and counties should focus on making sure every
individual household in the area is signed up for garbage disposal services to make it less
likely that those households will dump items illegally.

Animal Waste
Last but not least, animal waste is always a potential problem of direct water pollution. This,
however, is a very natural type of pollution that doesnt have anything to do with human
interaction with nature. Even if humans arent present at all in an area, animal waste is likely
to come into contact with water sources and cause pollution. It is for this reason that it will
always be important for people to have access to water filtration methods.

When animal waste is present in water, bacteria growth increases significantly. Its possible to
catch illnesses from animals that produce waste in and around water supplies. Animals that
are infected with parasites might also cause those parasites to enter the water where waste is
present. If someone drinks or swims in water that is infected with animal parasites, those

parasites can easily be transferred to that person. From there, they can be spread to other
people depending on the type of parasite. Although animal waste is natural and is to be
expected, it is always important to treat water before drinking it or using it for any
recreational purposes, even in your own home.

2. Indirect
But what are some sources of groundwater pollution that are less direct?

Atmospheric pollutants. Sometimes, when surface water in the area becomes polluted,
this can lead to those pollutants evaporating into atmospheric air and water. In turn,
polluted air can drift into areas where humans are more present, and polluted rain can
fall as acid rain. This damages the environment and can also cause serious health risks
for people in the area, too.

Petroleum fuels. Diesel and gasoline are well-known indirect causes of groundwater
pollution. In some instances, these fuels, when kept in underground storage, can leak
significantly and seep into the ground around them, leading to groundwater
contamination. Most of the time, however, the use of these fuels pollutes the
atmosphere and leads to indirect atmospheric pollution of groundwater through the
rain.

Deforestation
Deforestation is a big word that basically means cutting down trees. However, there is a lot
more to it than just that. Deforestation often takes place in order to clear land for more urban
growth. This means that an ecosystem which was once firmly established is suddenly

destroyed, and the remaining nature that stays in place has to compensate for this damage in
some way. A lot of times, this means that the soil left behind after the trees and other plants
are removed is simply left to erode, often very quickly. Fast erosion leads to damage by
contaminating the water with the soil as it sloughs off into the water supply.

When water is damaged through deforestation, remaining fish in the area become sick and die
off as they try to breathe in water that is now filled with soil. Plants that live in the water are
unable to continue growing as the water grows dirtier over time, and bacteria thrive in this
soil-filled water source. The best way to cut back on deforestation pollution is to reduce
urban expansion or to take it very slowly so that soil doesnt erode into the water so easily.
Urbanization
Urbanization is related to deforestation in that both of these types of pollution happen when
humans decide to expand their cities and towns into parts of the environment that were
previously uninhabited. However, when it comes to urbanization, this focuses more closely
on the results of human beings living in and affecting the land around them. This includes the
results of humans building houses and roads on land, as well as using fertilizers to farm on
the land. It also includes chemical pollution, although this problem can be further broken

down into other causes listed below. Finally, urbanization also includes litter that is thrown
out by humans and often finds its way into water sources.

Although in some ways urbanization is good, it needs to be controlled more effectively in

order to keep water safe from pollutants. It is always okay to make progress and to expand,
but it should be a major concern from day one of any expansion project to keep water
supplies safe. People should also be more careful about not throwing litter out of car windows
or allowing it to pile up in areas where it can easily drift into water sources. Cities should
take care to test the water regularly and to ensure that all runoffs to water supplies are clean
and free of debris.
Wetlands Destruction
One of the leading causes of river water pollution is the destruction of the wetlands. The
wetlands have been in place since long before human beings, and they have always done their
1job at keeping water levels at their best throughout the year. Where wetlands are present,
water is naturally dammed during the hotter times of the year and is allowed to flow more
freely during the winter. This supplies animals and plants throughout the ecosystem with just
enough water no matter what the weather might be like outside.

Unfortunately, the wetlands have slowly been destroyed by human interaction over the years.
Humans have begun to cut down the plants and trees that can be found in these important
ecosystems, and have even started to drain and dam the water supplies in unnatural ways.
When this happens, natural filters are lost, and water is much more seriously polluted. The
soil is able to erode quickly into the water supply, blocking it with dirt and causing damage to
the plants and animals that live there. When wetlands are destroyed quickly, birds and fish die
in great numbers, and their bodies also contaminate the water with bacteria. Wetlands, like
forests, should be left alone or very slowly developed in order to cut back on these risks.
River Dams
Damming rivers is part of the problem with wetlands, but this type of pollution can occur
anywhere and in any type of ecosystem where a large amount of water is present. Although
the idea behind river dams is sound, there are several environmental problems which arise
when rivers arent allowed to flow the natural way. Damming a river means blocking it at one
or more of its sources to keep it from potential flooding. However, this means that the
existing water is altered in many ways, and in some cases the risk of flooding might actually
increase.

Dammed river water loses its nutrients quickly and tends to become brackish instead of fresh
in many instances. This kills off the fish and plants that live there, and in turn, birds and
animals that feed on those fish and plants are also depleted. The ecosystem becomes
destroyed, and since the water doesnt move nearly as much, it becomes a hotbed for bacteria
growth. Water in dams is very rarely safe for human consumption without being treated first,
and it is also not very safe for swimming.
Stormwater
Runoff from stormwater is one of the leading causes of surface water pollution. The term
stormwater refers to any water that is present in abundance because of weather situations,
such as very heavy rainfall or a great deal of snow that has melted. This is a natural
occurrence and, when human intervention isnt present, it doesnt really cause a lot of
damage other than an increased risk of flooding. However, where factories and other potential
pollutants are present, when storm water runoff occurs, it has a very high risk of carrying
chemicals and other pollutants from those factories to water sources in the area. Stormwater
runoff causes a lot of pollution in very heavily populated cities where drains and ditches are
often full of contaminants.

The best way to combat pollution from stormwater runoff is to cut back on the use of harsh
polluting chemicals altogether. Unfortunately, in some cities where factories are already well
established, this is impossible to change. In these cases, it is always important for cities to
monitor the places where stormwater runoff is present. This way, they can intervene before
anything should happen to the much larger water supplies.
Fuel Emissions
When it comes to pollution, fuel emissions are one of the biggest problems just about every
natural resource faces today. Any type of fuel causes emissions that can have adverse effects
on the water around it. For example, when fossil fuels are burned, the resulting particles are
filled with toxic chemicals that should be kept out of the water at all costs. This also causes
carbon dioxide to enter the air, and if the fuels are burned very close to a water source, that

carbon dioxide can also easily enter the water supply. Fossil fuels are known to cause lead
contamination in water sources as well, which is very dangerous not only for the animals and
fish present but also for any people who happen to drink or swim in that water.

Even gasoline causes fuel emissions that can, unfortunately, cause water pollution. When
gasoline is burned, it leaves behind carbon oxides and sulfur, both of which cause air and
water pollution. These substances can enter into water supplies, especially in large cities
where gasoline related pollution is very common. These are very unhealthy for human beings
to consume, and water must be treated in order to remove this type of pollution as well as
possible. Unfortunately, it sometimes cannot be removed completely.
Construction Sites
Construction sites remain one of the most notable causes of indirect water pollution.
Although they rarely dump directly into water supplies, they have a lot of issues that combine
to make them a very real threat to any water supply. Any surface water runoff that comes
from a construction site becomes polluted with chemicals used in and around that site for a
variety of different reasons. Something as simple as paint, cement, or oil that might seem like

a harmless addition to a construction site can cause a lot of problems if it enters into a water
supply.

Soil can become contaminated with these substances as well, and groundwater can easily
become polluted by this. If pets or humans drink water from a well that might be dug at the
construction site, they can become very sick or even possibly die from contamination
resulting from these pollutants. Although the best way to avoid water pollution from
construction sites is to cut back on construction altogether, this is more or less impossible.
Construction workers and city planners should always be mindful of water runoff and should
do what they can to prevent water from escaping from the construction site while work is
being completed.
3. Man-made
Its no secret that human beings are a huge polluter of groundwater. These are just some of
the manmade ways groundwater gets contaminated.

Septic systems. In much of the United States, city-based water and sewage are
unavailable, especially in very rural areas. When this is true, septic systems are

usually the go-to solution to provide running water and plumbing to people in these
regions. Septic systems are very common in the U.S., and in most cases, they arent
supposed to cause any groundwater contamination at all. Unfortunately, sometimes
they are installed incorrectly or become damaged over time without regular
maintenance. This causes human waste to leach into the surrounding soil, which in
turn causes a lot of pollution very fast.

Chemicals. Road salts, solvents, and chemicals used on roads, in lawns, and around
the home are some of the leading manmade causes of groundwater pollution. When
these products are used on land surfaces or homes, they are easily washed away by
natural rainfall. From there, since theres nowhere else for them to go, they seep into
the soil and reach the groundwater quickly. When humans and animals then drink this
water, they are ingesting these chemicals, which can cause major health problems
very fast. Also, when groundwater that has been affected by these chemicals is then
used in agriculture or industry, it is unable to provide the proper nutrients and
hydration required to get the job done.

Pesticide. Much like chemicals and other man-made solutions, pesticide is prone to
washing into the soil after heavy rainfalls, especially when it is used frequently by
farmers and other members of the agricultural industry. The chemicals involved in
pesticides are very dangerous for both human and animal consumption, and when
they reach groundwater, they can almost never be completely removed.

4. Natural
Learning about groundwater contamination involves finding out more about natural
contaminants like animal waste, which is not a major source of groundwater pollution.

Animal waste. Although animal waste is usually more of a problem for surface water
contamination and often stays out of groundwater, this isnt always the case. In some
situations, especially where animal life is very prevalent, urine and feces left behind
by animals seep into the ground and cause some pollution to the groundwater there.
When this happens, the type of pollution caused by these contaminants is usually easy
to remove by water treatment facilities. However, it does make groundwater unsafe to
drink without treatment.

Arsenic. Sometimes, arsenic is naturally present in rocks. When groundwater passes

through or sits in these rocks for too long, it can cause arsenic to build up in the
groundwater to levels that are capable of poisining animals or people who drink it.
This is rare, but it does occur, especially in areas where mining has been present and
might have exposed these types of rocks. Again, regular water treatment can usually
remove arsenic from groundwater.

Radon. Radon gas is also another natural pollutant that can nevertheless cause serious
problems. If a human being or an animal consumes water that has been polluted with
radon gas, the results can be potentially fatal. Like the other types of natural pollution
in groundwater, radon gas can sometimes be removed by treatment. However, its
very important not to drink water that could have potentially been polluted with radon
until it has been thoroughly tested by professionals.

CHAPTER THREE
Effects of ground water contamination
Health
Health effects are some of the greatest risks associated with groundwater pollution. Here are
are some of its effects on the health

Hepatitis. In areas where septic systems have not been installed or kept up correctly,
groundwater may become infected with hepatitis due to human waste present in the
water supply. Hepatitis is a very serious condition that causes irreversible damage to
the liver.

Dysentery. Much like hepatitis, dysentery can be caused by drinking water where
waste is presenteither human or animal in nature. Once again, when septic systems
dont operate correctly, the chance for dysentery is much higher, much like with
hepatitis. Dysentery causes infection throughout the intestine and digestive system,
and can also cause diarrhea so severe it can lead to dehydration and even death when
not treated properly.

Poisoning. When wells are not dug or placed correctly, poisons from both nature and
from human use of pesticides and solvents can leach into the well water and poison
the water supply. When humans then drink this water, they can become very ill very
fast from exposure to chemicals and other pollutants that are unsafe for ingestion.
This can also make animals sick as well, including animals that might be watered
from a well on a farm.

Economy
When groundwater becomes contaminated, the economy can also easily suffer. Here are lists
of potential economic problems associated with groundwater pollution.

Depreciating value of land. When groundwater becomes more contaminated in a

given area, that area becomes less capable of sustaining human, animal, and plant life.
If the area is known for its natural beauty and that nature begins to suffer the effects of
pollution, the chances of people wanting to live there decrease even more. Although it
might not be an immediate result of groundwater pollution, the depreciation of land
value is definitely a potential side effect.

Less stable industry. Many industries rely on groundwater to help produce their
products and keep their factories running smoothly. Since the pH and quality of
groundwater from a given area rarely changes, it becomes a vital part of many
industries that rely on water they dont have to constantly test. However, when
groundwater becomes polluted, this convenience is stripped away, and the industries
are less capable of stable production. This, in turn, can affect the economy in any
given area as industries are forced to move.

Environment
Last but certainly not least, the environment can be seriously altered when groundwater is
polluted. Here are just some of the ways in which this occurs.

Nutrient pollution. Groundwater pollution can cause certain types of nutrients that are
necessary in small amounts to become far too abundant to sustain normal life in a

given ecosystem. Fish might start dying off quickly because they are no longer able to
process the water in their water supplies, and other animals might become sick from
too much of certain types of nutrients in the water they drink. Plants might not be able
to absorb water as easily, and the entire ecosystem will suffer.

Toxic water in ecosystems. When groundwater that supplies lakes, rivers, streams,
ponds, and swamps becomes contaminated, this slowly leads to more and more
contamination of the surface water as well. When this happens, fish, birds, animals
and plants that live in the area become sick and die off quickly. This is a huge factor
in the destruction of the wetlands, which rely heavily on groundwater to recharge their
lakes and ponds after drought periods. In turn, people who use this land for hunting,
fishing, and even for their own sources of clean water are affected by this type of
pollution.

CHAPTER FOUR
Decisions on the type and degree of treatment and control of wastes, and the disposal and use
of adequately treated wastewater, must be based on a consideration all the technical factors of
each drainage basin, in order to prevent any further contamination or harm to the
environment(Frank C., January 1967).
Sewage treatment
In urban areas of developed countries, domestic sewage is typically treated by centralized
sewage treatment plants. Well-designed and operated systems (i.e., secondary treatment or
better) can remove 90 percent or more of the pollutant load in sewage. Some plants have
additional systems to remove nutrients and pathogens.
Cities with sanitary sewer overflows or combined sewer overflows employ one or
more engineering approaches to reduce discharges of untreated sewage, including:

utilizing a green infrastructure approach to improve storm water management capacity

throughout the system, and reduce the hydraulic overloading of the treatment plant

repair and replacement of leaking and malfunctioning equipment

increasing overall hydraulic capacity of the sewage collection system (often a very
expensive option).

A household or business not served by a municipal treatment plant may have an

individual septic tank, which pre-treats the wastewater on site and infiltrates it into the soil.

Industrial wastewater treatment

Some industrial facilities generate ordinary domestic sewage that can be treated by municipal
facilities. Industries that generate wastewater with high concentrations of conventional
pollutants (e.g. oil and grease), toxic pollutants (e.g. heavy metals, volatile organic
compounds) or other non-conventional pollutants such as ammonia, need specialized
treatment systems. Some of these facilities can install a pre-treatment system to remove the
toxic components, and then send the partially treated wastewater to the municipal system.
Industries generating large volumes of wastewater typically operate their own complete onsite treatment systems. Some industries have been successful at redesigning their
manufacturing processes to reduce or eliminate pollutants, through a process called pollution
prevention.
Heated water generated by power plants or manufacturing plants may be controlled with:

cooling ponds, man-made bodies of water designed for cooling

by evaporation, convection, and radiation

cooling towers, which transfer waste heat to

the atmosphere through evaporation and/or heat transfer

cogeneration, a process where waste heat is recycled for domestic and/or industrial
heating purposes.

Non point source controls

Sediment (loose soil) washed off fields is the largest source of agricultural
pollution in the United States. Farmers may utilize erosion controls to reduce runoff
flows and retain soil on their fields. Common techniques include contour plowing,
crop mulching, crop rotation, planting perennial crops and installing riparian buffers.

Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) are typically applied to farmland as

commercial fertilizer, animal manure, or spraying of municipal or industrial
wastewater (effluent) or sludge. Nutrients may also enter runoff from crop
residues, irrigation water, wildlife, and atmospheric deposition. Farmers can develop
and implement nutrient management plans to reduce excess application of nutrients
and reduce the potential for nutrient pollution.

To minimize pesticide impacts, farmers may use Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
techniques (which can include biological pest control) to maintain control over pests,
reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and protect water quality.
Point source wastewater treatment
Farms with large livestock and poultry operations, such as factory farms, are
called concentrated animal feeding operations or feedlots in the US and are being
subject to increasing government regulation.[33][34] Animal slurries are usually treated
by containment in anaerobic lagoons before disposal by spray or trickle application to
grassland. Constructed wetlands are sometimes used to facilitate treatment of animal
wastes. Some animal slurries are treated by mixing with straw and composted at high
temperature to produce a bacteriologically sterile and friable manure for soil
improvement

Control of urban runoff (storm water)

Effective control of urban runoff involves reducing the velocity and flow of storm water, as
well as reducing pollutant discharges. Local governments use a variety of storm water
management techniques to reduce the effects of urban runoff. These techniques, called best
management practices (BMPs) in the U.S., may focus on water quantity control, while others
focus on improving water quality, and some perform both functions.
Pollution prevention practices include low-impact development techniques, installation
of green roofs and improved chemical handling (e.g. management of motor fuels & oil,
fertilizers and pesticides). Runoff mitigation systems include infiltration
basins, bioretention systems, constructed wetlands, retention basins and similar devices.[39][40]
Thermal pollution from runoff can be controlled by storm water management facilities that
absorb the runoff or direct it into groundwater, such as bioretention systems and infiltration
basins. Retention basins tend to be less effective at reducing temperature, as the water may be
heated by the sun before being discharged to a receiving stream

1. Do not use pesticides or heavy toxic chemicals at home.

Since these products can easily seep into groundwater around your home and yard, you can
do yourself and your whole family a favor by never using them on your property. In some

extreme circumstances, these chemicals can even get directly into your water lines, which
means the water in your home may be affected even if your neighbors water seems to be
fine.
2. Do not store chemicals at home.
Chances are good that you wont have the proper equipment to store harsh chemicals, and if
you dont, the possibility of leaks is very high. Even if you do have the right equipment, the
chance for spilling these chemicals is still high, and it isnt a risk you should take on your
own property. If you have to use chemicals for something around the house, such as treating
your pool water, either call a professional to do it for you or be sure to only purchase as much
of that chemical as you need at a time to cut back on the risk of spills or damage.
3. In places where chemicals must be stored, such as in industrial and
commercial sites, check on storage tanks very regularly.
This usually applies to companies more than individuals, but you can encourage your local
industries to check on their chemical storage facilities often. This can help them catch spills
and leaks before they happen, and can greatly improve the quality of water in and around
your area, especially if youre in a place where factories are very common.
4. Use groundwater monitoring services at home or in agricultural or
industrial locations to keep tabs on the groundwater at all times.
This may be a little bit impractical if youre talking about a simple yard, but if you have other
property, such as large pieces of land used for agriculture or other purposes, you might want
to check on the quality of your groundwater more often. You can purchase testing kits from
labs around the United States to help keep track of how your water is doing.

5. Always keep your septic system and tank well maintained.

If you have a septic system instead of sewage line, youre responsible for making sure it stays
up to par. Sewage lines are usually treated and maintained by the city or county, but if you
have one of these instead, you can urge your municipality to check up on sewers frequently to
cut back on the risk of disease spreading into your groundwater. Septic systems must be
checked regularly to prevent leaks or improper installation practices.
6. Properly dispose of any garbage that may contain contaminants.
If you have any type of garbage that might contain a contaminant, be sure you throw it away
properly instead of dumping it in non-designated areas. Landfills are still a source of
pollution and contamination, but many landfills are working to improve their practices to help
keep groundwater safe and clean. By dumping garbage at designated landfills instead of in
other placesand instead of letting it build up around your home and yardyou can cut
back on the amount of groundwater pollution in your area.
7. Do not drain fuel or oil from your vehicle in a residential area.
Although its tempting to work on your vehicles in your own garage or driveway, if you get to
a point where you need to drain oil or fuel from your car, you need to take it to a place
designated for this type of work. Draining fuel and oil around your home can quickly lead to
spills in your yard. Since youll be unable to clean up any gasoline or oil that might spill into
your yard, its going to seep into the ground or get washed into nearby water sources, and its
going to cause contamination and pollution. The same is true of oil leaks from your vehicle,
so take care to get those repaired as quickly as possible too.
8. Do not use hazardous cleaners in your home.

The fewer hazardous chemicals you have in your home, the less of a chance you have to spill
them and cause damage to the groundwater in your yard. When you dont use hazardous
chemicals, you also cut back on a lot of difficulties in terms of disposing of your garbage.
Use mild chemicals if you must use them at all when it comes to clean up.
9. If anything hazardous spills in your yard, dont hesitate to call the
authorities to help clean it up.
You might feel embarrassed if you spill something you shouldnt have been using in the first
place, but dont worry. Calling for a cleanup team doesnt mean youre going to get in
trouble, but it does mean youll have plenty of professional help to save your yard and the
surrounding groundwater. If something hazardous spills in your yard, you have the
responsibility to yourself, your family, and your neighbors to call someone to help you take
care of it.
10. Recycle old oil instead of dumping it.
Many landfills and recycling stations allow you to recycle old, used oil.Take your oil to
places like this instead of dumping it out in your yard or even in your garbage can. Dumping
oil causes it to leach into the soil, but recycling it is good for the environment in more ways
than one.

11. Recycle other types of garbage to help cut down on chemical seepage
at landfills.

Since recycling is a great way to help the environment overall, why not carry it over into
more areas of your life instead of just oil? Recycle everything you can in order to cut back on
the amount of garbage sent to landfills. This will, over time, help reduce the amount of
chemical pollution of groundwater from stormwater runoff that comes from landfill sites.
Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to contribute to recycling efforts as well. If
you dont have a designated recycling pickup in your area, offer to pick it up for your
neighbors and take it to a recycling facility yourself. This is a great way to encourage
recycling in areas where it isnt common yet.
12. Always clean up after animals.
Dont let animal waste sit in your yardor in your neighbors yard, either! Even if you feel
like a little waste left here or there might not be a problem, its a sure way to cause bacteria to
seep into groundwater in your yard. If this bacteria reaches your drinking water, youll be at
risk for illness and disease. If you have any livestock at agricultural sites, be sure to properly
dispose of animal waste to keep this from happening. And if you use natural fertilizer or
manure, store it properly to keep bacteria from reaching drinking water sources.
13. Do not bury dead animals on your property.
While it may feel like a good way to give yourself and your family closure when the family
pet passes on, burying animals in your backyard often contributes to bacteria in your soil and
in your groundwater as well. If you must do this, be sure to use a container that wont allow
seepage into the soil, and never bury the animal directly in the soil. If you have an
agricultural practice, talk to your livestock veterinarian to find out proper ways to take care of
deceased animals.
14. Recycle or dispose of old appliances properly.

When you leave old appliances out in the yard or dump them in out of the way, nondesignated places, you encourage any chemicals inside those appliances to leak into
groundwater sources. These appliances might also be made of metal or plastic that could
further seep into the soil and pollute the surrounding groundwater if left for too long. Always
recycle these appliances in areas where this type of recycling is available, and if not, at least
dispose of them properly at designated landfills.

15. Dispose of
all
medications
properly.
Last but not least,
dispose

of

any

medication properly and dont just throw it away. Most types of medications have certain
ways in which they need to be disposed of, and if you arent sure, you can always contact
your doctors office or drug store to find out more. Throwing away medication may cause it
to seep into groundwater as well, and this can further cause contamination. Sometimes, harsh
prescription-only medications can cause a lot of serious damage if they happen to reach
drinking water supplies for humans or animals.
Current Groundwater Protection Regulations
Depending on where youre located, there may be some regulations in effect already to help
protect groundwater. California is one of the most involved states when it comes to cleaning

up groundwater and preventing further contamination from taking place. There are many
different ways in which this state is making a difference, and several other states are also
getting on board with a lot of these regulations. This is a great start toward improving the
quality and safety of groundwater around the country.

Permitting. Around the United States, permits are now required before digging for
anything in your yard or on your property. Wells must be permitted, but so must
fences, swimming pools, and anything else that could potentially cause harm to the
groundwater. If the area isnt safe for digging, then the permit will not pass.

Testing. Areas where groundwater spills have taken place are tested regularly to
ensure that the water is not too polluted for human safety. Many of these areas are
also under long-term cleanup programs that are working to restore safety to the
environment as well.

Groundwater Contamination Prevention Program. This program works to clean

up groundwater contamination sites and tries to speed up the cleanup process around
the state of California.

Safe Drinking Water Program. This program provides water treatment facilities at
locations where wells are present. This helps keep the water produced at this wells
safe enough for human use and consumption.

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