our water, our resource, our responsibility module 5: water protection unit1: threats to water...
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Module 5: Water Protection
Unit1: Threats to Water
Lough More Co. Monaghan
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Objectives of this presentation
To help participants understand that some water “contaminants” occur naturally
To increase awareness of the main sources of contamination from human activities
To enable participants understand the way pollutants enter our waters
To examine other threats to water
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When we talk about threats to water, we need to consider threats to the quality of water and threats to quantity.
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Naturally present contaminants in the surrounding soil and rock have the potential to contaminate source water and cause harm to humans:
Water quantity can be affected by natural forces such as droughts and floods
Natural factors influencing water quality and quantity
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What are the Human Threats to Water?
Graphic by Gillian Cullen, DKIT
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Micro-organisms are one type of contaminant resulting from human activity. Bacteriological and parasitic organisms from human faeces enter water bodies via sewage treatment plants, faulty septic tanks and urban storm water. Animal manures pose a similar threat.
Types of Human Contaminants
Cryptosporidium E. coli
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Nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen): come from faecal matter, fertilisers, treated sewage effluent, landfill sites and agriculture
Nutrients in water will promote excessive growth of algae
Types of Human Contaminants
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Dangerous Substances are contained in many everyday products used increasingly in households (e.g. medicines and cleaning products), industry, forestry, agriculture, manufacturing and services activities, mines, construction sites and water treatment works
Dangerous Substances may be toxic to people, plants and animals and be harmful to our waters
Types of Human Contaminants
Graphics by Gillian Cullen, DKIT
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Hormone-disrupting Substances: known sources include pharmaceuticals, pesticides, industrial effluents, urban waste waters and agricultural run-off containing natural hormones
Types of Human Contaminants
Graphic by Gillian Cullen, DKIT
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Pollution enters the environment in two ways:
- Point Source- Non-point (Diffuse) Source
How does pollution enter the environment?
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High organic strength effluents from agri-food industries
Potentially toxic substances from metal workshops, dry cleaners, photo processors and printers
Petrochemical and pharmaceutical, waste
Heavy metals from mining and manufacturing
Point Source Pollution(1) Industrial Discharges
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(2) Urban Wastewater/Sewage
Sewage treatment plants treat waste discharged from homes, businesses, industries and storm-water
The quality of effluent depends on:- Type of waste - Efficiency of treatment
Impacts most severe in low-flow conditions
Point Source Pollution
Monaghan Town Wastewater Treatment Plant
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(3) On-site wastewater treatment systems (OSWTS)
OSWTS can create significant local contamination problems
Septic systems may be unable to treat certain contaminants
Some substances may actually damage the septic system
Poorly maintained, improperly installed or overloaded septic systems can contaminate surface or groundwater where untreated sewage leaks out
Point Source Pollution
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The septic tank and percolation system
Graphic by Gillian Cullen, DKIT
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(4) Landfill Sites
Modern landfill sites are highly engineered- Inputs now controlled - Leachate control and treatment systems- Polluter pays principle
Threat posed by older, abandoned sites- Leachate from older landfill sites may
have seeped into the soil and polluted groundwater
- Hazardous materials pose continuing threat
Point Source Pollution
Landfill Site Co Monaghan
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(5) Illegal dumping
Point Source Pollution
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(6) Farmyards
Point Source Pollution
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Diffuse Pollution is caused when water runs over land, picks up natural and human-made pollutants and deposits these directly into surface waters or groundwater through percolation
Diffuse sources will include:- Agriculture- Urban run-off- Airborne pollutants
Non-point (diffuse) source pollution
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(1) Agriculture
Diffuse source pollution
Agricultural run-off can contain fertilisers, pesticides, bacteria and nutrients from livestock and manure
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Pollution Sources Rural Area
- Local wells at risk
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Urban run-off from buildings, streets and footpaths carry sediment, nutrients, bacteria, oil, metals, chemicals, pesticides, road salts, pet droppings and litter
Storm water is prone to picking up contaminants on its way to where it joins waterways, drains or storm sewer system
(2) Urban Run-off
Diffuse source pollution
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Sources include:
Industry (e.g. smelters emitting metals)
Burning fossil fuels (acid rain)
Persistent organic pollutants (e.g. pesticides and industrial chemicals and dioxins)
Such pollutants can be transported across international boundaries and bio-accumulate through the food web and pose a risk to human health and the environment even in the Artic regions.
(3) Airborne pollutants
Diffuse source pollution
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Other impacts on water: Climate Change
Warming of the Earth’s atmosphere could reduce the amount of water in lakes, rivers and streams due to reduced precipitation and increased evaporation
Increases in water temperature could change the numbers and types of bacteria and algae in lakes, as well as other forms of life
Extreme weather events present increased risks to contamination of water supply sources
Heritage Council/Failte Ireland Report- Climate Change, Heritage and Tourism: Implications or Ireland’s Coast and Inland Waterways.
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Alien Species
Zebra mussel
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DiscussionUnderstanding how or day to day activities impact on water is an essential step in protecting and improving water. Too many of us are unaware of how we contribute to water pollution. Water pollution is generally considered someone else’s problem and there is often a “shock” factor at a pollution event yet everyone contributes to water pollution.