Learning about how can you clean up Kentucky's water acts as a springboard into how you can clean up water anywhere in the world. Water quality is a global problem, not just Kentucky's. Minimizing water pollution and increasing available clean water through filtration and purification are some of the steps that can be taken to clean up Kentucky's water.
Kentucky is a beautiful state of rolling hills, horse races, and fun, but it also has a side that not many people know anything about. Water pollution is a huge problem in this beautiful state and much needs to be done by the citizens of this state to help make the water healthier for them, the environment, and the future generations. How can you clean up Kentucky’s water?
You first need to learn more about the water pollution that is in Kentucky. The water pollution can be separated into two main categories -- natural and manmade. Natural pollutants include animal waste, soil, and minerals that are in the environment in large amounts. Manmade pollutants include pesticides, chemicals, industrial waste, and more. None of these are considered pollutants, however, until they reach a concentration where they could harm plants, animals, or humans. These natural and manmade pollutants can further be separated into point source and nonpoint source water pollution, which describes how the pollution gets into the water sources.
Point source water pollution is when the pollution comes from a specific source. This includes a sewer, factory pipe, animal feeding operations, and other specific outlets for pollutants into the water sources. Preventing this type of pollution takes government regulations to set limits upon the industries, water treatment plants, and other sources of pollution. Kentucky regulates the point source water polluters with permits. Any company or industry that releases wastewater into Kentucky's water sources must have a KPDES (Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination) permit, which limits the amount of waste that can be released into the water. By supporting initiatives and the politicians that support environmental concerns, you can help to decrease the pollution that is released into Kentucky's water sources.
Nonpoint source water pollution is the pollution that is released by individual sources, like human consumption. It can be controlled and decreased simply by making smarter choices regarding waste. This includes using environmentally friendly pesticides, fertilizers, and more. Land management practices are also scrutinized to help prevent the pollution from soil that occurs during site sediment deterioration. Education and careful monitoring is handled by Water Watch, which is a part of Kentucky's Division of Water. This includes random water sampling that occurs quarterly all over the state, so that they can keep better track of the pollution problem before it becomes dangerous. The Kentucky Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program is also very actively trying to protect the waters of Kentucky so that they meet water quality standards.
Water pollution is a huge problem worldwide. Learning about the pollution problem in your particular part of the country or world is essential, so you can learn more about how to reduce the pollution. If everyone would do their part in protecting the environment, then progress would be made in making the water safer for us, the environment, and future generations. Kentucky is just one place in the world where the water needs attention, but by learning how to clean up Kentucky's water sources, you are well on the way to learning more about your little corner of the world.
