Water pollution is the leading cause of death and disease in the world today. According to the EPA nearly 2 billion people worldwide drink contaminated water that could be harmful to their health. Most types of pollution affect the immediate surrounding area, but pollution can also affect people miles away from the source.The most common type of water pollution is raw sewage and human waste, making up 75% of water pollution. The second most common type of pollution comes from industrial waste, which makes up the other 25% (Source: WHO).

There are many different types of water pollution from microbiological to chemical to simply suspended matter in the water. All types of pollution in water can be dangerous or hazardous to humans and all the creatures that call it home. Water-born illnesses are usually caused by viruses, bacteria, and protozoa that can also live in water. Most of these harmful creatures are added to water supplies via human and animal fecal matter or influences.

High levels of nutrients in water can cause excess plant growth in lakes, rivers and streams. Nutrients found in high Nitrogen fertilizers and wastewater will continue to help plants grow wherever they land. Often algae is the culprit. High levels of algae growth can cause low dissolved oxygen levels in water. This, in turn, causes other plants in the water to have rapid die-offs and can kill fish and other aquatic animals in the process.

To further aggravate this already delicate ecosystem the dead plants and animals release the nitrogen they soaked up as well as creating more as they decay. The higher levels of nitrogen in the water then cause algae blooms which can have deadly effects on people and animals. Here in North Idaho we have all heard of the blue-green algae blooms and know of their harmful effects. If we all did our part to keep harmful pollutants from our local water supply we will all be stronger and healthier for it.