The clear call to action: Combating water pollution
Water pollution poses a formidable threat to our planet’s well-being, imperiling human health, aquatic life, and the economy.
This week we are discussing on the causes of water pollution caused by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, sewage, mining effluent, litter, oil spills, domestic waste, atmospheric pollution, and climate change.
The consequences are dire: harm to aquatic life, human health risks, soil contamination, air pollution, and economic impacts on tourism and agriculture.
However, there is hope. By adopting a multi-faceted approach, we can mitigate this crisis.
Every person can make a difference by conserving water, properly disposing hazardous waste, use eco-friendly products, reduce plastic use, and participate in community clean-ups.
These simple actions collectively drive significant change.
The community and Government initiatives must have effective wastewater treatment, pollution regulation enforcement, sustainable agriculture practices, pollution prevention technologies, and public education are crucial, hence collaborating to safeguard our water resources.
In addition, technology initiatives, advances in water treatment plants, bioremediation, advanced filtration systems, green infrastructure, and monitoring systems can detect pollution early, investing in these solutions ensures a healthier environment.
Local governance are urged to Strengthen pollution laws, increasing funding, encouraging sustainable development, implementing circular economy principles, and international cooperation are vital. Policy reforms can drive systemic change.
Engagement of public outreach programs, environmental education, community engagement, research, and collaboration with stakeholders are essential.
Knowledge empowers individuals and communities to act.
Reducing water pollution demands collective action, by combining individual efforts, community initiatives, technological innovations, policy changes, and education, we can protect our precious water resources. The time to act is now.
Spokesperson for the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Amkela Sidange warned in an urgent call to action, “As we reflect on the devastating impact of El Niño on our river systems, it’s clear that water pollution has reached crisis levels.
“Low dissolved oxygen, exacerbated by reduced river flows, has crippled aquatic life and dealt a severe blow to our ecosystem,” she said.
The consequences are far-reaching: fish growth stifled, nutrient capacity diminished, and food security threatened. Domestic and agricultural water use suffers, as treatment costs skyrocket due to elevated pollution levels.
Harare residents bear the brunt, with water treatment expenses disproportionately high compared to other cities due to the increase in chemicals to treat the water for domestic and agricultural use.
Aquaculture struggles under the weight of reduced dissolved oxygen, while excessive nutrient loads fuel explosive growth of water weeds like hyacinth. Recreation spots, like Umguza River, once thriving with boating activities, now lie dormant.
“Polluted water imperils human health and our ecosystem,” emphasized Sidange.
“Transboundary rivers demand national attention and collective responsibility. We must act now to restore our rivers’ health and safeguard our future,” she added
EMA urges stakeholders to join forces in combating pollution, protecting aquatic life, and preserving the integrity of our waterways.
Water pollution in Zimbabwe is a pressing issue, mainly caused by the discharge of raw or partially treated sewer into the environment and water bodies, as well as agro-chemicals.
As the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), it’s mandate is to monitor the quality of water, air, and land.
The focus is on natural water sources, such as rivers and dams, with monthly monitoring across 374 strategic points in 7 catchment areas and 12 urban rivers.
Key findings by the EMA includes, 399 mega liters of partially treated sewer are discharged daily, impacting water quality and 9 out of 12 urban rivers show high nutrient loads due to nitrates from phosphates, indicating severe sewer contamination.
Affected rivers include Mukuvisi, Marimba, and Mazai, primarily those passing through Harare and Bulawayo, however Sakubva, Mthsabezi, and Sebakwe rivers have relatively lower pollution levels.
There is impact on Agriculture as polluted water compromises agricultural output quality.
Instead, local authorities must treat all sewer and ensure functional sewer systems, this is crucial, as Zimbabwe’s water and sanitation crisis poses significant health risks, particularly in urban areas like Harare.
