Archive for the ‘Water Conservation’ Category
What Is Eutrophication
Posted on: Tuesday, December 31st, 2013 at 3:04 am
Eutrophication or algal bloom is considered to be the most dangerous and unhealthy condition of a pond that is caused by certain human activities. Humans use a lot of fertilizers in the agricultural fields because of which the runoff from the fields contains excess of nitrates and phosphates. When this runoff reaches different ponds, it pollutes the waters of the ponds to such an extent that algae start growing continuously in large quantities because of which the ponds look absolutely ugly. This unsightly condition of the pond is known as Eutrophication.
The word “Eutrophication” has its origin from a Greek word and that word means “overfed”. When Eutrophication occurs the pond ecosystem turns into a dead ecosystem. When algae start growing in the ponds, the oxygen supply to the aquatic plants and animals is reduced because of which they start dying. Slowly and slowly the aquatic plants and animals are replaced by more and more algae. Algae also produce harmful toxins that can cause severe damage to higher animal forms. This in turn will disrupt the food chain.
Along with agricultural runoff, there are other causes of Eutrophication such as animal excrement, street runoff, organic debris and so on. Eutrophication has recently become the cause of concern for a lot of countries. Many major countries are having conferences in relation to Eutrophication so that this unhealthy condition of ponds and even other water bodies can be avoided by utilizing effective methods.
Once Eutrophication occurs it is very difficult to restore the pond to its previous pristine condition. Aerobic bacteria can be utilized to restore the oxygen supply to the pond. In addition to that, aeration system can also be highly effective in ensuring that the oxygen supply can be restored to the pond efficiently. However, these two methods are not that competent and helpful.
Tips to conserve water in day to day life
Posted on: Wednesday, November 10th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Not much needs to be discussed about the importance of water in our day to day life. But the problems start arising when most of us, in spite of being completely aware of its significance, waste water irresponsibly. Lots of ways are there by which you can conserve water in your day to day lives, which if adhered to religiously, is bound to give positive outcomes.
Start with installing an indoor pumping system. Switch to a plumbing system that makes uses of lesser amount of water, such as the low-flow plumbing systems. Although it might seem like an extra expenditure, but in the long run not only will this conserve a lot of water but also will make your pockets heavier. Next switch to low flow flush toilets and shower heads. This will prevent the water wastage that we end up doing unintentionally.
You can also install a faucet aerator to you sink. This will help to reduce the water usage by breaking the water flow into tiny droplets. Hence, all you need to do is be cautious about the amount of water you use, and conserving water will not seem like a huge deal anymore.
Posted on: Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Collecting rainwater is one of the most important facts that should never go unappreciated. This is a natural resource and it is the only source of uncontaminated water. Quite a number of us have the urgency the collection but the idea is not sunken to their minds.
The reason why people seem to have realized the need and not yet taking the issue seriously is evidenced in deforestation. This has an awful effect over the monsoon waters. Rainwater harvesting should be understood as the process of capturing rainwater from a catchments surface and precipitating it.
The accumulation of natural water is evident in the rural areas, contrary, in the congested urban centre, this seems not much appreciated. There are two different ways of harvesting water and these include the runoff water harvesting and the rooftop water harvesting. The method of collection and storage is determined by the purpose of the collection.
Act Green: New PBS Documentary on Water Highlights Need for Clean
Posted on: Monday, April 20th, 2009 at 4:35 am
Last week, LCV joined EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson at a special preview of a new PBS Frontline special, “Poisoned Waters,” a two hour documentary about the state of water quality in the U.S. The documentary airs tomorrow night at 9 Eastern on PBS.
Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Hendrick Smith uses the film to examine the risks to our health and safety posed by the over-polluted waters we are exposed to everyday. The film focuses on two waterways, the Chesapeake Bay and the Puget Sound, that exemplify the state of water quality across the country.
The scariest theme of the film is that while factories are still a major sources of water pollution, it’s chemicals from everyday products like shampoos, hairsprays, pharmaceuticals and such that are an increasingly dangerous pollution source as well.
“Clean water has slipped off the national agenda in recent years. The Clean Water Act said our waters were supposed to be fishable and swimmable by 1983, but we’re nowhere near close to that,” writes Mr. Smith.
That’s why Hasan Nazar, who leads LCV’s water policy work has been fighting so hard for the Clean Water Restoration Act.
“The Clean Water Restoration Act will plug many of the holes punched in the original act by the Bush Administration and hostile courts,” Nazar said. “As this documentary shows, passing the Restoration Act should be an urgent priority for everyone who likes safe drinking water, clean lakes, and showers free of things they can’t pronounce.”
Frontline Presents “Poisoned Waters” airs tomorrow night, April 21 from 9-11 PM EST on PBS. Watch the trailer at here and be sure to check this program out.