5 steps to avoid water pollution during the monsoon season

Balance is the way of life. Everything has a good and bad side. Even the nourishing rainy season. Did you know that monsoons in South-west Asian countries are one of the prime reasons for mass pollution of natural reservoirs and rivers? Now playing the devil’s advocate here, many would voice out “But monsoons purify and replenish groundwater levels, borewells and dams, meant for irrigation and public use.” 

That remains true, but for how long? We need to understand that dirt, paint, pet waste, detergents, plastics, untreated sewage, electronic waste and much other daily garbage that is discarded carelessly on the roads, barren lands or other open sites, degrades the quality of runoff water. Right now our soils have become so polluted and waste-landfill so toxic that the water that runs down into the rivers/oceans or seeps into the groundwater gets polluted with various harmful chemicals. 

Therefore, smart ways to harvest rainwater and ensure that it remains viable for future use is our biggest priority for a sustainable life. Here are some ways in which we can avoid water pollution during Monsoons – 

• Even if we cannot do much on a large scale, we can take care of our own compounds and surroundings first. Do not throw garbage out in the open.
• Make it a point to have your septic tanks cleaned right before the monsoons so as to avoid the waste affecting clear rainwater around it. 
• Small local checks or bunds on streams can build to stop the flow of the run-off water at regular intervals to allow the wastes to settle before the water moves on towards its next destination. 
• We can plant small shrubs, plants, or even gross around various barren lands and open areas near our compounds or societies to help the ground absorb rainwater. 
• Avoid the use of harsh detergents and liquid soaps. Go for softer soaps and detergents that are eco-friendly and set your machines in a way that they use less water for their operations. 
• Direct your used water from the kitchens or cleaning to your gardens, instead of using freshwater from your tanks. The plants in your garden work to purify this water and allow it to seep into the ground without its pollutants.
• Keep your water collection pods, sinkholes, barrels, and bore wells open. Clean them and clear them to help break the flow of run-off water. If there’s water collecting around, keep the lids on to prevent larval vector growth.