Water is a natural source that affects our daily lives.  Whether it is drinking it or using it to clean, a clean water source is absolutely necessary.  Unfortunately, many of the waterways from coast to coast are experiencing a level of pollution that is very difficult to contain.  Even purifying systems do not fully get the viruses and bacteria out.  Bodies of water are constantly being imperiled and it is up to the public to save them.  There are natural accidents that happen in waterways everyday – and there are accidents that we can control.  By implementing security measures and having a viable plan in place we are setting up ourselves for a brighter future.

In recent history, the BP oil spill caused environmental and economic concerns on the gulf coast. Those concerns were largely warranted because it provided tainted water from being distributed to the places it shouldn’t be.  The Exxon Valdez from 1989 was also an incident that happened to destroy local wildlife and spurn economic disaster.  Recovery was slow, but the water supply affected the local communities.  We are dependent on water. It is essential to our health, our environment, and every aspect of our lives.  

Today, waterways must deal with the constant bombardment of dangerous toxins, pollutants, and irresponsible dumping and littering.  As millions of dollars are poured into the effort it is absolutely vital to be in the position to deal with it at the local level.  

The Clean Water Act

Though the Clean Water Act was signed in 1972, we still have personal responsibilities to the public in regards to water.  Over half of the earth is made up of water – as is over half of our body mass.  When we neglect the water around us, we neglect our bodies. The Act helps regulates the discharge of pollutants in the waters around the U.S. but it does not end there.  Industries and corporations must also be careful on how they dispose of their toxic materials.  While this has been helpful to cleaning up waterways, we must consistently apply those principles and adopt creative avenues to help clean up more of our waters.  

The Implications

Think about this: the food we eat either grows from water, comes from the water, or needs water to grow and sustain health.  If tainted and polluted water taints this, we will be in a far dire situation to which we may never recover.  Clean water has proven to sustain life and help vegetation grow.  With so many aquatic ecosystems in the world, we have a task that is large – but one of importance.

Our waters are important and we rely on it every day.  We should be educated on how to develop clean water and utilize our resources to help make the waters around us fresher and better for our environment. Getting involved with organizations whose life work is to clean up the waters is a great way to start.