Water Pollution Caused By Used Motor Oil
Have you even thought who causes water pollution? Of course, we the people are solely responsible for water pollution. When rain water flows from your garden over our streets and yards, it carries pollutants into the storm drains. These pollutants may include used motor oil, pesticides, paints, fertilizers, insecticides, plastic debris, cigarette butts, solvents, sediments, grass clippings, pet waste and various other hazardous waste.
Used motor oil is considered as the single biggest source of water pollution in the United States. Motor oil leaked from individual vehicles or outright dumped by homeowners as well as commercial garages constitute a significant chunk of storm water runoff. Whatever goes down a storm drain flows directly into local water bodies and eventually to the ocean, which ultimately cause a threat to water quality as well as to marine life. It is being said that one gallon of used oil can ruin one million gallons of water and create an eight-acre slick on surface water. As per the Environmental Protection Agency, 40 percent of oil pollution in the United States comes from the improper disposal of used motor oil by Americans.
Motor oil can damage or even kill aquatic vegetation and animal life. This pollution somehow also finds its way into underground aquifers that supply our drinking water, which can be dangerous for human health also. But, you can be the only solution to reduce water pollution. Here are a few things you can do to make a difference:
- Recycle your used motor oil. Many auto service stores accept used motor oil and also many waste haulers offer curbside collection of used motor oil.
- Never pour used motor oil down a storm drain or onto your grass or driveway.
- Besides handling motor oil, you can also reduce water pollution by limiting or using pesticides properly. It is found that even small amount of commonly used pesticides can be harmful to living creatures. Therefore, limit the use of deadly pesticides and try non-toxic alternatives for pest control. Never throw pesticides into storm drain or thrash and take unwanted pesticides to a household hazardous waste collection center.
- Fertilizers promote the growth of algae in our waterways, and when algae decomposes, the oxygen level in the water is depleted, which could harm aquatic life. Thus, follow application instructions while using fertilizers. Do not overwater fertilizers or do not apply if rain is forecasted.
