How water quality impacts environmental health
“Water is life.” We’ve all heard this saying but rarely consider what it truly means. Water quality is crucial to maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and keeping humans alive and healthy.
Water is at the starting point of environmental health. It’s the backbone of our ecosystems, and poor water quality seriously affects everything from the smallest fish in the sea to entire human populations.
Here are more ways water quality affects environmental health and why it’s crucial for us all to pay attention and do our part to advocate for healthy, quality water.
Why water quality matters
Think of water as the bloodstream of the planet. Just as our bodies rely on blood to carry nutrients and oxygen, ecosystems rely on clean water to keep things flowing smoothly. Every water body is a habitat, food source and transport system that helps sustain life. When the quality of this water declines, everything that depends on it is affected.
If you’ve ever traded tap water for ionized water, the difference is palpable. Digestion improves, thirst is quenched, energy levels balance out and more.
When I talk about water quality, I mean its physical, chemical and biological characteristics determined by factors like pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and contaminants.
Ideally, water should be clear, hydrogen-rich, and free from harmful pollutants. However, many water sources worldwide don’t meet these standards, threatening the balance of natural systems and the health of the organisms within them, including us.
How water pollution affects ecosystems
When pollutants like agricultural chemicals, sewage and industrial waste enter our water streams, they create a chain reaction.
Excess nutrients cause algae to bloom rapidly. Too much algae can deplete oxygen as they decompose, making it impossible for many organisms to survive.
Polluted water often contains toxins like heavy metals–such as mercury and lead–or chemicals that hurt aquatic creatures. As these toxins build up in the food chain, they harm larger animals, too. Poor water quality can also alter the conditions of rivers, lakes and wetlands, so native species can’t continue on.
Put simply: When water quality declines, biodiversity suffers. This reduction makes ecosystems less resilient, so they can’t bounce back from disturbances like natural disasters or additional pollution, which we see more of with climate change.
Human health hazards
Humans are part of the environment, and what affects the planet directly affects us. Some ways poor water quality stunts our health include drinking water contamination, food safety and agricultural impacts.
Pollutants in water can lead to diseases, and even low levels of exposure over time can cause chronic health problems. Those who eat animal products (here are some plant-based recipes to reduce your meat intake!) can consume contaminated fish, for example, and inadvertently have toxins enter the body, leading to health issues.
Plants aren’t entirely safe, either. Farmers rely on clean water for irrigation. Polluted water can reduce crop yields, affecting food security and increasing the cost of food production.
What causes water pollution?
If we’re going to tackle the issue of water pollution, we’ve got to know the main contributors. Below are a few.
Agricultural runoff: This includes pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers that wash off farmland and enter rivers and lakes.
Industrial waste: Chemicals from factories and power plants are nasty culprits, releasing harmful chemicals and heavy metals into nearby streams. Yes, regulations have reduced these discharges to a degree, but the problem persists.
Wastewater and sewage: Gross, I know. But, when wastewater is not treated correctly, the sewage ends up in rivers and lakes, introducing harmful pathogens into water systems.
Plastic pollution: Plastic doesn't break down quickly, meaning it remains in the water for decades, affecting marine life and compromising the food chain.
How to protect water quality
However small a single contribution may be, together we can make a significant difference to the vast problem of polluted water. Here are some top tips.
Support local water protection efforts: Find organizations and communities near you focused on preserving water quality and join or donate to their missions. Facebook Groups is a great place to start! Digital communities are also fantastic.
Reduce chemical use: Limit your use of pesticides, herbicides and garden fertilizers that often end up in our water systems. Here’s how you can garden with just pure, clean water.
Choose sustainable products: Many household products, from cleaners to personal care items, contain chemicals that can pollute water. Opt for biodegradable or eco-friendly options when possible. Or, a one-ingredient secret!
Be mindful of plastic use: Use reusable bags, bottles and containers. They are one-time, low-cost investments you can feel good about reaching for repeatedly.
Our actions matter
Water quality isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a life issue. Clean water supports healthy ecosystems, nourishes us and sustains biodiversity. The impact of poor water quality ripples through nature, touching everything in its path.
Protecting our water quality is essential. Every action counts, and together, we can help keep our planet’s waters clean and vibrant for generations to come.