National Water Quality and Water Awareness Month in August

National Water Quality and Water Awareness Month, observed in August, highlights the importance of water quality and its impact on our lives. It provides an opportunity to learn about factors affecting water quality and the global challenges of maintaining clean and accessible water.

Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water, determining its suitability for drinking, recreation, agriculture, and industry. High-quality water is essential for human health, ecosystems, and the economy.

However, several environmental issues compromise water quality.

Harmful substances like chemicals, waste, and microorganisms contaminate water bodies from industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, untreated sewage, and plastic waste, harming aquatic life and posing health risks.

Globally, over 80% of wastewater is discharged untreated. In the U.S., facilities process about 34 billion gallons daily, underscoring the importance of treating wastewater to maintain water quality.

Over 40% of oceans are contaminated with plastic waste, threatening marine life and ecosystems. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, are particularly concerning due to their accumulation in the food chain.

Only about 1% of Earth’s water is accessible for human use. Population growth, climate change, and over-extraction contribute to water scarcity, highlighting the need for sustainable water management.

Sustainable practices include efficient water use, pollution prevention, and ecosystem protection to ensure long-term water availability. These practices help preserve water resources for future generations.

The Beaver Water District annually hosts “Secchi Day”, where citizen scientists record the turbidity, chlorophyll-a, total phosphorous, and total nitrogen levels of the lake. Engaging with the community to track water quality year-by-year presents insightful educational opportunities for local scientists and community stakeholders. Find more information about Secchi Day and how to get involved here.

National Water Quality Month emphasizes the significance of clean water and the challenges in maintaining it. By learning about water pollution, treatment, plastic contamination, and scarcity, we can appreciate the need for sustainable practices to ensure high-quality water for all uses, now and in the future.

Article written by Caroline Cheek

Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Water Resources Center