Water is the source of all life. It covers 73% of the Earths surface. Only 3% is fresh water and only one third of fresh water is above ground and unfrozen. Water is, for obvious reasons, extremely important but we still pollute it. There are many ways in which we pollute water.

Nutrients can pollute water if they are over used. The fertilizers that are not consumed by the crops can pollute nearby bodies of water and cause eutrophication. That means that algae grow into a layer on the surface. It can clog water intake pipes.

Farms also use various chemicals mostly in the form of pesticides that are used to get rid of pests. Industries also contribute to this chemical problem by releasing solvents such as Sulphur, Lead and Mercury into the water. These chemicals are toxic to aquatic life and can make them infertile.

All forms of water contain microbes. If you decide to drink, for example, from a river, it had to have been subjected to purification treatment. Otherwise consuming it can cause deadly diseases.

Oil spillages are very problematic water pollutants. An oil spillage or leaking oil from the ship has a localized effect on aquatic life and can spread for miles. It kills fish and greatly endangers birds whose feathers get covered in oil. Their wings are consequently too heavy and they can no longer fly.

Suspended matter or in other words garbage is also harmful. Because plastic and rubber take a long time to dissolve in water, they cause problems to the aquatic life living at the floor of water bodies.

Humans also pollute water with sewage and waste water. If it is not properly cleaned before being released into the water it can cause serios health problems.

Polluting water harms plants, animals and humans. It is crucial for the existence of life and so we must try not to effect it in a negative way.

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