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WATER pollution has been documented as a contributor to a wide range of health problems and disorders in humans.

It has been shown to have negative impacts not only on aquatic organisms but on wild animals and the environment as a whole.

Water pollution is the contamination of natural water bodies due to direct or indirect discharge of effluent into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds.

Water pollution occurs when high levels of nutrients from waste water, fertilisers and sewage end up in water bodies encouraging algae and weed growth.

This scenario has encouraged the growth of the water hyacinth in Lake Chivero, Manyame and Shagashe rivers as well as other polluted water bodies.

Large quantities of biodegradable matter deplete oxygen in the process of decomposition.

Aerobic organisms die when the oxygen is depleted and due to this anaerobic organisms proliferate resulting to the production of more harmful toxins like ammonia.

Causes of water pollution

There are many causes of water pollution. Knowing the causes of water pollution helps us to stop the pollution and to protect the environment so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.

Industrial activities

Many rivers are polluted due to effluent flowing into them from industries. Some industries discharge fumes or gases that can pollute the air.

When the rains come, these gaseous particles are deposited together with the rain onto the surface and underground water resources.

Untreated sewage discharges have been a major contributor of water pollution in the country.

This is due to broken sewer pipes, blocked manholes and non-functional sewage treatment plants in major towns and cities.

Marimba, Mukuvisi, Shagashe, Manyame, Sakubva, Dora, Gweru, Mazai and Matsheumhlope are some of the rivers that are polluted by sewage discharges.

The treatment of crops with herbicides, pesticides, insecticides and chemical fertilisers bring significant benefits.

However, these products can find their way into water bodies polluting the water.

Livestock productions also contribute to pollution by the production of large quantities of organic waste which can be washed away by rainwater into rivers and lakes.

Households pour a large amount of organic and inorganic waste down the drain which can pollute both surface and ground water.
Effects of water pollution

The use of polluted water results in the outbreak of diarrhoeal diseases such as cholera and typhoid as once experienced in the country in 2008.

Polluted water is expensive to treat for it to be potable as it needs more chemicals to treat. This increases the cost of accessing clean and portable water.

Pollution of water leads to proliferation of aquatic weeds and deterioration of habitats for aquatic organism.

These weeds clog pipes, reduce sunlight penetration into the water body and use up oxygen as they decompose.

This can lead to death of animals such as fish and frogs due to lack of oxygen.

Pollutants such as lead and cadmium disrupt the natural food chain since they are consumed by tiny animals which are in turn eaten by larger animals and spread the pollutants to the other animals including humans through the traces in their systems.

These pollutants can eventually kill some species along the food chain.

What can you do?

The Constitution of Zimbabwe states that every person has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well–being and to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and ecological degradation; promote conservation.

It is also everyone’s right to prevent pollution and environmental degradation.

As such everyone has a part to play as individuals and in groups through:

Not disposing chemicals down the drains as these chemicals contaminate water. One should ensure they buy environmentally friendly detergents which are less dangerous to the environment.

Farmers have to avoid excessive use of pesticides and fertilisers as they can easily be washed away into water bodies.

Avoiding dumping waste on undesignated areas as it can easily be washed away into rivers, streams and lakes. Decomposition of waste produces leachate which pollute the water bodies.

Industries should pre-treat their waste water before discharging into water bodies. The effluent should meet the prescribed standards.

Citizens need to empower themselves to hold polluters to account through environmental campaigns and demanding their environmental rights.
Reporting sewage bursts and raise alarm with responsible authorities.

What does the law say?

The discharge or application of pollutants, waste water or effluent into a water body or the permitting of dumping or discharge of such matter, is prohibited except under a licence from the Environmental Management Agency.

Any person who contravenes the law is liable to a fine not exceeding level fourteen or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such a fine or such imprisonment.

In addition to any sentence or fine imposed, the polluter shall pay the cost of the removal of such pollutants including the cost of restoration of the damaged environment, which may be incurred by a government agency.

The polluter should pay third parties reparation, cost of restoration, restitution or compensation as may be determined by court on application by such third parties.

This is provided for in Section 57 of the Environmental Management Act (CAP 20:27) of 2002 and Statutory Instrument 6 of 2007, Environmental Management (Effluent and Solid Waste Disposal) regulation which govern water pollution in Zimbabwe. The purpose of the licence is a control measure.

All owners or operators of sewerage systems, industrial production or any other undertakings which may discharge effluents or other pollutants or have been discharging effluents or other pollutants shall submit accurate information about quantity and quality of such effluent or other pollutants.

Every owner or operator of a trade or industrial undertaking shall discharge any effluent or other pollutants originating from the trade or industrial undertaking only into an existing sewerage system and local authority operating or supervising such sewerage system.

Play your part, Every step however small can have a positive impact in reducing water pollution.

Environmental Facts, Tips and Updates are published weekly by the Environmental Management Agency.

Send your feedback to; [email protected], like us on facebook and twitter or visit our website www.ema.co.zw <http://www.ema.co.zw>. Alternatively, call us on: Tel 04-305543 and Toll-free 08080028; or use our Whatsapp platform 0779565707. We are ready to listen.