Water_Resource_Plan

Water Resource Plan Joseph leonard SCI/275 June 13, 2010 The water source issue I chose was water pollution. I think this is an issue that has been a major problem for a long time. Water pollution is any chemical, physical or biological change in the quality of water that has a harmful effect on any living thing that drinks or uses or lives in it (LENNTECH). Many pollutants that have made their way into the earth’s water include oil, garbage, sewage, debris, fertilizers, and chemicals. The different sources of water pollution are; industry, agriculture, and homes. Human waste has become the biggest contributor to the water pollution epidemic. Over the years, humans have consistently thrown waste into oceans, lakes, and rivers. They often do not see it as a big deal or view as something that happens all the time and is natural. It is this type of thinking that makes this problem an ongoing one. Water pollution is something that has to be taken more seriously and needs to be properly addressed. In order to properly address this situation, one must be fully aware of the danger it presents to both humans and animals. Virtually all types of water pollution are harmful to the health of humans and animals. Water pollution may not damage our health immediately but can be harmful after long term exposure. Different forms of pollutants affect the health of animals in different ways: * Heavy metals from industrial processes can accumulate in nearby lakes and rivers. These are toxic to marine life such as fish and shellfish, and subsequently to the humans who eat them. Heavy metals can slow development; result in birth defects and some are carcinogenic. * Industrial waste often contains many toxic compounds that damage the health of aquatic animals and those who eat them. Some of the toxins in industrial waste may only have a mild effect whereas other can be fatal. They can cause immune suppression, reproductive failure or acute poisoning. * Microbial pollutants from sewage often result in infectious diseases that infect aquatic life and terrestrial life through drinking water. Microbial water pollution is a major problem in the developing world, with diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever being the primary cause of infant mortality. * Organic matter and nutrients causes an increase in aerobic algae and depletes oxygen from the water column. This causes the suffocation of fish and other aquatic organisms. * Sulfate particles from acid rain can cause harm the health of marine life in the rivers and lakes it contaminates, and can result in mortality (Water pollution guide, The Guides Network 2003-2008). Another problem that results in water pollution is animal waste. Unattended animal waste can be collected through sewer drains and other forms of run-off when it rains or it snows (Department of Environmental Protection). To assist in the prevention of water pollution, some cities have imposed strict city ordinances making all animal owners responsible for the collection of animal waste and discarding it appropriately (Department of Environmental Protection). A good sustainment plan that would help alleviate the water pollution problem could take some time. It could be a long and strenuous process but it is a process that is necessary. One would have to keep in mind that nothing is going to happen overnight. It takes a great deal of education, knowledge, and patience. One would have to do careful and extensive research gather good solid facts because it will make it easier for one to come up with a solid plan. In my sustainment plan, I would give a presentation that would be open to the entire community. The plan would be to better educate the community about the dangers of water pollution and how it affects everyone as a whole. There will be stricter laws and fines when it comes to waste disposal. I am aware that there are laws in existence already but the over-seeing process needs to much more stern and efficient. The plan would call for a community awareness program in which everyone would come together and participate in an environmental clean-up day. This program will teach people the importance of pollution as a whole whether it is air or water. It will also teach the community about team work and the importance of working together, and help bring the community together in a joint effort. My plan affects the community because it makes them better education as to the causes, effects, and solutions to water pollution. It will help the community to be more pro-active because they are involved in every aspect. I think that many people want to make positive changes but do not know how to go about it. People need to understand that if we keep polluting our water resources, we will no longer have them and we will be in a world of trouble. It gives the community ways for them to act now not later so that their children will live better lives in the future. One faces many challenges when trying to implement or develop a plan. One challenge would be the research part of it. It is very time consuming and there are so many resources out there so you have to take your time to differentiate which information in credible. Another challenge is finding the finances for my plan. It takes money to implement plans and the way the economy is now, that will be a huge challenge. One would have to convince the community that your plan is worthwhile which could also present a challenge. Not everyone will share the same views being presented. References Department of Environmental Protection, September 2007. Retrieved May 23, 2010 from: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov Water Pollution Guide, Retrieved May 23, 2010 from: http://www.water-pollution.org.uk/health.html Lenntech Water Treatment Solutions, Retrieved May 23, 2010 from: http://www.lenntech.com/water-pollutants-faq.htm