The issue, which I would like to discuss, is now viewed as one of the most urgent global problems. Contamination of water is one of the factors, which have contributed to the extinction of many species. Overall, it should be mentioned that water pollution may entail far-reaching consequences that are practically unpredictable, especially in the long term. The situation, which recently emerged, may be ascribed mostly to human activities. It takes its origins in the way many community treats environment. On the one hand, we may speak about ignorant attitude because some people are not even aware of the detrimental effects that the activities have (Allard et al, 2008, p 34). Moreover, we cannot forget such factor as deliberate violation of production standards. Occasionally, manufactures pay attention only to the cost-effectiveness but not to the safety of their enterprise.
As it has been noted earlier, the contamination of water may give rise to other problems, and at first glance, it is very difficult to see the connection between them. For example, it is quite possible for us to mention many water-born diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A, poliomyelitis, and some others; this list can be easily continued (Canter, 1886, p 41). Another point, which we can mention is eutrophication, or the depletion of oxygen supply in water bodies. Organic pollutants stimulate the growth of algae, which subsequently consumes all oxygen in the lake, river, pond, etc. Eutrophication may very strong socio-economic impacts, because life of many people, especially, in developing countries, greatly depends on fishing (Maddaus, 2007, p 64). Thus, one may conclude that the water pollution should not be discussed only within the context of environment protection, because it may influence almost every aspect of our lives, yet even now many people overlook this fact.
Naturally, it is very ambitious to presume that this problem can be eliminated, yet one may at least propose some measures, which can reduce the contamination of water to a minimum and alleviate the situation. In order to do it, a complex approach is needed because one has to address several aspects or factors, contributing to water pollution. First and foremost, special emphasis should be placed on manufactures, because industrial wastewaters pose major threat to the ecosystem. Perhaps, my suggestion is a little bit naïve, but the government should introduce laws, which will not only force companies to install ecologically safe-technologies, but encourage such policies by monetary or some other rewards. The thing is that now large enterprises are obliged to care about ecosystem, including water bodies, yet they are very reluctant to adhere to these standards. It seems that this measure will change their attitude towards this question.
One may raise objection to this statement by saying that the country cannot incur such heavy expenses. Nevertheless, it seems that such investment will not blow a heavy strike on the budget of the United States. Apart from that, the governments assistance (not only supervision) will help companies to cope with this problem.
The most important task that should accomplished, is to increase peoples awareness of the issue. Again, it has to be admitted that some members of the community do not even know about the dangers of water pollution. Perhaps, some explanatory course should be conducted in educational institutions, particularly, schools. If the benefits of environment protection are brought home to children, they may eventually change their understanding of this question and realize all the dangers of careless behavior.
The major limitation is this plan is that it will not yield any quick results it is primarily oriented only on long-term objectives, but the reduction of water pollution is a gradual process, and it takes a considerable amount of time. As regards the advantages of this plan, I would like to say that it is based on persuasion but not on compulsion as it is often done. In my opinion, one should first prove that protection of the environment and especially water is beneficial.
Bibliography
Andrew Albert Dzurik, David A. Theriaque (1996). Water resources planning. Rowman & Littlefield.
Bert Allard, O. Hutzinger (2008). Water pollution. Birkhäuser.
Larry W Canter, Robert C Knox (1986). Ground water pollution control. CRC Press.
William O. Maddaus, American Water Works Association (2007). Water Resources Planning. Water Works Association.