Water pollution

Discover how water pollution harms ecosystems and explore simple ways to help

Water covers around 70% of the Earth’s surface, with oceans making up 96% of all the water on our planet. However, our rivers, lakes, and canals are becoming increasingly polluted, threatening aquatic life and making the water unsafe for drinking, cleaning, or recreation.

Plastic waste in water

What problems and challenges can water pollution cause?

Water pollution occurs when our rivers, lakes, canals, and other water sources become contaminated with harmful substances such as chemicals from industrial waste, fertilisers, and sewage. This pollution can make the water toxic, killing plant life along riverbanks and damaging ecosystems that local wildlife depends on to survive.

Litter also has a major impact. If rubbish isn’t disposed of correctly, it can be washed down storm drains into rivers and eventually reach the oceans. Once in the sea, plastic litter can be ingested by animals, causing choking, or animals can become entangled, leading to injury or death.

We rely on water not just for drinking, but also as a food source. Imagine eating fish that have been exposed to polluted water, it shows why our actions have consequences. By understanding the impact of water pollution, we can make choices to protect our waterways and the wildlife that depend on them.

Project ideas…

Landscape study: Locate local water sources and explore water-related land management

Research water ecosystems: Investigate how pollution affects plants and animals

Visit a water treatment site: Learn about managing waste from water treatment processes

Litter pick at a local river: Record rubbish, separate recyclables, and dispose of it properly. Share findings with your local council with suggestions like more bins, recycling options, or better signage

Wildlife visit: Explore a local waterway with a wildlife expert to study animals relying on the water and how this has changed over time

Dipping for organisms: Discover small water creatures during local visits

Water quality discussion: Examine and debate the importance of clean water

Urban development research: Explore how rapid urbanisation contributes to water pollution and what can be done to reduce it