Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies like lakes, rivers, and oceans with harmful substances, which degrades water quality and harms aquatic life and human health. It is caused by various sources, including industrial and agricultural runoff, sewage, and chemical spills, and can have both visible and invisible effects, impacting drinking water and ecosystems.  

What is water pollution?

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater, with damaging materials. 

This occurs when contaminants enter the water, either directly or indirectly, making it toxic to humans and the environment. 

Pollutants can include chemicals, microorganisms, trash, and radioactive substances. 

What causes water pollution?

Human activities: These are the primary cause, including:

Industrial and agricultural waste: Discharge of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides into water sources.

Sewage and wastewater: Untreated or improperly treated sewage leaking into water bodies.

Urban runoff: Rainwater carrying oil, chemicals, and other pollutants from roads and other surfaces into rivers and lakes.

Solid waste: Litter and marine debris, such as plastic, ending up in waterways.

Oil spills: Accidents that release large amounts of oil into the ocean.

Natural causes: While less common, some natural events can also contribute:

Volcanic eruptions

Animal waste

Algae and silt from floods