Each year, unsafe water kills more people than war and all other forms of violence combined. Untreated water accounts for 80% of wastewater discharged into the atmosphere, polluting rivers, streams, and oceans. There are many serious effects that come from contaminated water. There could definitely be a possibility that it will affect a person or animal health wise. 

The water that has been polluted by human and animal waste contains bacteria and viruses, which is ensured to spread to anyone who drinks or uses it. Typhoid, Cholera, and Giardia are a few of these potential diseases. Anyone with these diseases may need a lot of assistance and just shows how much contaminated water could affect someone. Typhoid is a bacterial infection that can lead to high fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. Cholera is an infectious and sometimes fatal bacterial disease of the small intestine. Giardia is a tiny parasite that causes diarrheal disease giardiasis. 

The environment is also another factor that would be affected by water pollution. Pollutants in water have the potential to disrupt species relationships. This is significant because species relationships are necessary for an ecosystem to survive. 

A local from Turlock, California, Alls O’neill, was asked the following question, “When was the last time you heard about water pollution and what was it about if you remember?” They replied with, “I personally haven’t heard about water pollution in a while. The last I can remember is that we should do our part and help to not pollute our water but nothing major. I think water pollution is still a huge deal and there should be more awareness of it. If there’s no one aware then how are we going to keep our water clean.”

Another local who lives in Turlock, California, Victoria Noriega, was asked another question which was, “Do you trust the water you buy from the store and that comes from your sink or fridge? Why or why not?” They responded with, “Honestly, I don’t really trust the water from my tap and this is because I heard about the lead in the water which happened a while ago. I was still shocked about it and it really had me thinking. What else is in our water that we don’t know about? I went to the store to buy a filter for my water and it makes me feel better about drinking the water since I know it got filtered.”

Water contamination is a major problem that affects both people and the environment, and it deserves further consideration. The news and any type of media should cover more information about it all over their platforms. Celebrities or even local people have the ability to talk and post about it for their followers to see. No one has an excuse to not share important information about polluted water. Water pollution majorly impacts the environment and our society, but there are solutions to this problem which are reducing plastic consumption, properly disposing of chemical cleaners, and maintaining your car so it won’t leak oil.