Clean Water - Ocean Central
Clean Water
Clean water is essential for life and the health of aquatic ecosystems.
However, pollutants from land-based activities, including industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and excess agricultural runoff, threaten both freshwater and marine environments. Eighty percent of the world’s wastewater is released into the environment without adequate treatment. This pollution endangers biodiversity and undermines the blue economy by impacting fisheries, tourism, and efforts to regenerate the ocean. Protecting water quality through stronger regulation and innovation is key to sustaining ocean ecosystems and supporting economic resilience.
Benefits of Clean Water Initiatives
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Enhancing Human Health
Reducing water contamination prevents the spread of harmful pollutants to communities, ensuring safer drinking water and cleaner environments.
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Supporting Aquatic Life
Clean water preserves aquatic ecosystems, sustaining fish stocks crucial for food security and biodiversity.
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Ocean Regeneration
Investing in clean water technologies helps prevent land-based pollutants from flowing into the oceans, supporting healthier marine ecosystems and ocean regeneration.
Key Clean Water Initiatives and Investment Opportunities
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Wastewater Treatment
Advanced wastewater technologies reduce contamination and over-nitrification, mitigating environmental harm and improving water quality.
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Nature-Based Solutions
Approaches such as regenerative agriculture and organic alternatives to petrochemical products help reduce the impact of pollutants on land and water ecosystems.
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Clean Water Technologies
Sectors such as wastewater treatment and nature-based solutions offer promising investment opportunities. Technologies like fluorogel resins and innovations in pollutant removal can contribute to solving major water contamination issues.
How to Support Clean Water
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01
Properly Dispose of Chemicals and Oils
Ensure that harsh chemicals, oils, and other hazardous substances are properly disposed of rather than poured down household drains. This prevents toxic materials from entering water systems.
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02
Choose Eco-Friendly Lawn Products
Opt for environmentally safe lawn care products such as organic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. These alternatives help reduce runoff of harmful chemicals into local water sources, maintaining clean, healthy water systems.
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03
Support Sustainable Businesses
Purchase certified organic food and fabrics from businesses committed to reducing chemical use. By supporting organic practices, you're helping to reduce pollution from agriculture, which is a significant contributor to water contamination.
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04
Advocate for Corporate Accountability
Engage in policy advocacy and support initiatives aimed at holding corporations accountable for water pollution. Corporate polluters often contribute large amounts of waste to rivers and oceans. Pushing for stronger regulations can significantly reduce industrial pollution.
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05
Support Wastewater Treatment Innovation
Support innovations in wastewater treatment, particularly in underdeveloped regions, to ensure access to clean, recycled water. These technologies reduce the spread of harmful pollutants into the environment, helping to conserve water and protect public health.
Credits
- Ralph Chami
- Dinah Nieburg
- Belinda Bramley