Fixing Water Pollution in Third World Countries


Jibran Khalil, 4th Period
Fixing Water Pollution in Third World Countries

There’s a river near my second home; even before you can see it, the smell has already reached you. It’s right in the middle of the city, a canal indented into the ground between lopsided apartments and rundown lassi vendors. The river is where everyone is, and, for the most part, where everyone’s trash is. See, it’s a murky brown color. It’s progressed from an unusual gray into a solid layer of brownness that seems to be unrevertable. There are no fences on the edges, so the people walking by tread carefully so they won’t fall in. Around the sides are torn bags of garbage leaking in. This is the state of rivers around the world, particularly in third world countries — polluted, filled with garbage, and a problem not many think is worth facing; through governmental policies and global efforts, however, these water supplies can return to their natural state.
Image result for ganga river pollution



Over 1.7 billion people in third world countries don’t have a safe supply of drinking water, so cleaning polluted rivers is crucial to providing an adequate water supply to people. The most important step towards reducing this pollution in these countries is government policy. In India, 1.3 billion liters of waste flows into the Ganga river every day; to counteract this flow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has committed three billion dollars to clean up the water supply for 400 million people. However, simply investing money is not enough. Cleaning these rivers is impossible if the citizens of these country continue to mistreat them. Instead, the government needs to heavily invest in educating the general population and regulating the actions of people. The citizens of these countries need to see the impact of their waste first hand; although a classic classroom style to teach people not to pollute water sources isn’t feasible, advertisement campaigns led by leading figures could discourage the public from dumping garbage as it becomes more stigmatized. In addition to educating the public, the governments of these countries need to invest in infrastructure that allows citizens to get rid of their garbage conveniently. If daily garbage collection exists near apartments, citizens have no need to go out of their way to dump their waste into rivers.

Image result for india garbage disposal



However, third world countries don’t always have the resources to create the infrastructure necessary to reduce water pollution. Hence, these countries need the support of foreign countries to build waste management solutions. International countries are already contributing money to third world countries; however, the money is not always specifically directed towards solutions to water pollution. The benefit of investing directly into water supplies are immense; the garbage in rivers often times lead to illnesses and diseases that spread throughout the population. In addition, the garbage accumulation leads to unsanitary conditions and housing. Also, pollution in rivers and water supplies lead to less tourism and a lower quality of life. Thus, if foreign countries directly invest in the infrastructure to reduce water supply pollution, the effects will be widespread and affect more areas than simply the water people drink; investment will stimulate the global economy and help third world countries raise their standards of living.

The impact of rivers and other water supplies are often forgotten when considering third world countries. Citizens of these country assume that it is too late and that these rivers are at a point beyond repair. However, this can be changed; if the governments of third world countries heavily invest in waste management systems and educating the general population, the rate at which waste enters water supplies will drastically decrease. If these third world countries receive foreign aid as well, then they can improve the quality of living for all their citizens. The efforts are already being made; now, the focus just needs to be more narrow and the problem needs to be given priority.
Image result for china clean river



What do you think is the most efficient way to reduce waste in rivers and water supplies? How can third world countries educate their citizens to reduce littering and garbage dumping? How long do you think, if possible, will it take for these countries to make a significant change in the amount of waste in their rivers and water supplies?







Comments

Anonymous said…
I think the simplest way to reduce the amount of waste is to get people to stop throwing trash into the river. Create laws that restrict people or gather large numbers of people and start cleaning once a day. There are many ways that teachings can reducte littering. For example, education buildings can teach about the effects of recycling or the importance of clean water, fresh air, and clean roads/grass, which is all the effects of having waste in areas. I believe that if the education system teaches the importance of not having waste, as well as the creation of laws that prevent waste on the streets, cleaning could take around 1 to 2 years for their to be a significant change.
February 9, 2019 at 3:57 PM
Anonymous said…
I strongly agree with this post that nations around the world need to ensure that they are treating their sources of water with care so that even while utilizing these water sources for human activities, they are used in such a way that they can preserved for the use of future generations. One of the most important ways in ensuring that developing nations implement proper sanitation technique and prevent the contamination of water sources is for governments to invest in educating the citizens of these nations, because ultimately, the majority of pollution assumably comes from the citizens who depend on these water sources for daily life and survival, but do not have access to viable options to prevent contamination. One example of a method that has been effectively implemented in the countries of Ethiopia, India, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, and Haiti to educate citizens on clean water use is a book, produced from a partnership between researchers a Carnegie Mellon University and the non profit organization Water is Life, which gives vital advice regarding water sanitation. What makes this book unique is that its pages are made up of a type of coffee filter paper, which can be used to purify drinking water and the quantity of filtration sheets within a single book is sufficient enough to provide an individual with water for up to 4 years. In general, education the citizens of developing countries on the importance of avoiding the contamination of water sources would be extremely useful in ensuring that these sources of water can be utilized by generations to come. (Source: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/feb/13/global-water-crisis-innovation-solution) .
February 9, 2019 at 3:59 PM
Anonymous said…
It is incredibly important that we create laws and angency which work toward making our world more sustainable. Sanitation is essential to keeping humans and the environment healthy. Additionally, companies need to make products that are recyclable so that instead of having to throw it in the river, the containers can be reused. Unfortunately, companies are unwilling to spend money and cut their profits to make a more sustainable product. If companies are willing then it comes from the comsumer’s pocket. We need to focus less on profits and more on having an Earth for future generations.
February 9, 2019 at 4:18 PM
Anonymous said…
The most effective method to curb this tendency to pollute rivers would be to institute legislation that prohibits throwing trash or dumping waste into river systems. Littering anywhere, for that matter, should be punished. It’s so important to be able to learn from past experiences with water pollution. Clearly, polluting rivers has no positive effects; it brings disease, unsanitary conditions, takes away from the cultural value of a location, and encourages a sense of laxity. This will only be solved if there is a renewed sense of urgency, and much of that will only come from laws that mandate citizens to be more aware. It is sad, but people will truly not understand the implications of their actions until there are direct consequences.
February 10, 2019 at 6:54 AM
Anonymous said…
Luke Farinelli - You make an excellent point about the fact that curbbing pollution isn't just slapping some new regulations on; it takes a social change as well. It's amazing how governments haven't learned that if it's too easy, it probably isn't effective enough. That's why the best solution is to commit fully to the act of teaching the next generation how to consider their environment and their waste as well as facilitating these new ideals with regulations and resources like fines and, as you said, garbage infrastructure.
February 10, 2019 at 11:48 AM
Anonymous said…
Also I think it's really interesting how you have first-hand experience with this. It's one thing to know about an issue, but another to really experience it.
February 10, 2019 at 12:30 PM
Lauren Pan said…
It is so fascinating that you've personally experienced this first hand in Pakistan. It sounds very authentic and impactful, almost as if written for college apps, and I can imagine myself there as you describe it. Water pollution has become a major concern worldwide, especially in developing countries where around 3.2 million children die each year as a result of unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation. Access to adequate wastewater treatment facilities in the developing countries is very limited. Drinking water sources are under increasing threat from contamination, which holds widespread consequences for the health, and the economic and social development of various countries. Governments in the developing nations, as well as donor nations and organizations, should strengthen efforts to provide adequate water services for their citizens. Water policies must be redefined and be strictly implemented, and water programs should be better integrated into a country’s cultures and values than they have been in the past.
February 11, 2019 at 2:50 PM
Unknown said…
I don't think simply telling people to stop polluting through laws and regulations is a fail safe option. For example, in Flint Michigan there were several water standards the city had to hold up. However, several city officials and federal agents were unable to fully regulate the water standards within the city. Similarly in India the Ganges river has long been one of the cultural centers of Indian culture. But in recent decades large scale pollution has made the river poses a serious health threat and the river's religious role has protected it from large clean up efforts.
February 11, 2019 at 4:54 PM
Anonymous said…
It may seem like an answer too far away, but combating political corruption may need to be the first step in resolving many third world countries’ problems. The developing countries have a culture of “Trump Up Trickle Down” economics. This means, the funds and allocated money for certain environmental/social/economical issues starts at the top of the totem pole and gets passed down. On its way down the ladder, funds “go missing” and the government funded projects are left with little to no crumbs of the initially allocated funds. It is widely known that India’s political corruption surpasses the average human imagination. Thus, if we combat the root of the issue, its effects will trickle down and impact the smaller projects. In educating the wide Indian public, one thing is crucial: giving them a location to properly dispose of their trash and recyclables. Without anywhere to dump their garbage, the public will have no choice but to follow their old habits. Perhaps, rewarding citizens who abide by these new regulations will increase compliancey. South Korea’s recycling and trash disposing practices are absolutely top notch. Nearly every family rinses finished milk cartons and orange juice jugs, recycles plastic water bottles, and takes the trash to organize it in a neighborhood trash/recycling area. There, they sort out milk cartons, plastic bags, water bottles, etc. Thus, the environment is less harmed by littering practices. If third world countries can start to implement these policies, the environment– especially the rivers– will greatly thrive.
February 11, 2019 at 6:33 PM
Anonymous said…
It is indeed necessary that the world as whole takes the effort to stop pollutions across the board. I agree with your statement as it is very important that we make other choice accesabile. It is just basic human nature for many do what is easy. That is what causes people to pollute not in just first world countries but everywhere in general. With that said the only way we can fix this solution permanently is improving infrastructure. The improvement of infrastructure would allow a permanent solution to this problem. The only reason pollution is a major issue is because the river is the easiest way to dispose of garbage. That’s why I believe that pushing legislation will not be that effective. But we must take strides to lower pollution.
February 12, 2019 at 5:29 PM
Anonymous said…
I think we should all be more aware of these problems and work to solve them. Water is at the core of sustainable development and is critical for socio-economic development, energy and food production, healthy ecosystems and for human survival itself. Water is also at the heart of adaptation to climate change, serving as the crucial link between the society and the environment. At the human level, water cannot be seen in isolation from sanitation. Together, they are vital for reducing the global burden of disease and improving the health, education and economic productivity of populations. I also like how you incorporated personal experiences in your blog
February 13, 2019 at 7:23 AM
Anonymous said…
I would say that the best thing to do is to just stop throwing waste in the river and to send teams to go clean up the water. I imagine a water cleaning nonprofit, which is of course funded by government grants, sending volunteers to get things cleaned up. However, this all changes when you take into consideration that this is happening in a third world country. Like you mentioned they don’t always have the resources. I believe the best solution would be for first world countries to lend a hand, if not be good for selfish reasons. River don’t just stay in one place, they flow into ocean. It’s affecting the water that we all share, and while it might not be critical for the U.S. or England now, it will make a big impact in the future if we don’t do something. Where third world countries can’t care of themselves, more privileged countries should help out.
February 13, 2019 at 12:34 PM
Anonymous said…
Besides funding from political and economic entities, the most efficient way to reduce waste in rivers is by increasing public education regarding pollution and water purification. When citizens are aware about the impact of their everyday decisions, they are typically prone to making rational and moral decisons. I understand that this expenditures can be difficult for third world countries. However, by reallocating and rearranging finances, they could certainly devise advertisements and curriculums that could educate the public about pollution. It could take anywhere from five to twenty years for the government to see any real improvement.
February 13, 2019 at 2:19 PM
Anonymous said…
The most efficient way to reduce waste in rivers, in my opinion, is to enforce littering in water as a strict rule with fines. We should clean the rivers up and educate the future generations of the damage this waste does to our rivers. Water is an essential part of life, so preserving it and keeping it clean is a top priority. People litter in rivers because it is usually the easiest way to get rid of waste if there is no other method close by. We should place more waste disposal systems such as trash cans to encourage more people to stop throwing waste in the river.
February 14, 2019 at 2:12 PM
Anonymous said…
Water is an essential part of our daily lives, whether it be for drinking purposes or for daily necessities. I think that in order to improve on reducing the amounts of water pollution and littering is to increase the awareness in the society. Everyone technically knows that littering or the runoffs of fuel are bad and horrible to the environment. However, it is hard to fully comprehend without seeing at the actual effects. Enforcing more education on how pollution is affecting the water purification would impact the daily decisions of the citizens and it would make people make better decisions. If more developed countries start this, then developing countries would be prone to make the same decision.
February 15, 2019 at 7:55 AM
Anonymous said…
I agree that the best way to prevent and end water pollution is by educating people about the effects water pollution you can have. However, education is expensive and most third world countries don’t have the time or resources at hand to make this a true solution. Therefore, I feel it is our responsibility to help solve this issues. I feel like because we are mostly wealthy and educated, we have an obligation to help those in need. Therefore, we could make donations and even go to these places in need ourselves. It is our responsibility to keep the planet clean, even if the issue is halfway across the world.
February 15, 2019 at 12:32 PM
Mallory Odom said…
I think if third world countries had better access to education about the consequences of littering then maybe they would be more aware of the damage they were doing on their water resources. In addition, more regulations set on littering and water usage could help limit the effects of human impact on the water sources.
February 15, 2019 at 2:23 PM
Anonymous said…
The first step in reducing pollution in rivers is is to educate the people on the impacts of polluting in these rivers. From there we can put in laws and other regulations to reduce pollution. I think another big step in this is introducing recycling in these areas. Because many of these areas are not so wealthy, the use and waste of cheap plastics is heavily seen in these areas. Introducing a recycling system would heavily reduce plastic waste and might even help decrease the price of plastic. Another thing we can do is actually send out parties of people to go collect and remove non-biodegradable items from the rivers. The only problem with this idea is that it is going to be very expensive and very time consuming. I also believe that countries like the US and UK need to start participating more in cleaning up waste not just to set an example but to indicate this is the worlds water and we all are sharing it.
February 15, 2019 at 8:33 PM
Anonymous said…
It was interesting to see the comparison with issues in a foreign country with an American economic phenomenon. It really shows the similarities between even different countries that are several thousand miles away. I agree that we should model recycling after developed countries that have already made the transition between having a polluted country and successful environmental policies. Educating the public in less developed nations seems like the way to go with the approach.
February 15, 2019 at 8:50 PM
Anonymous said…
There ought to be policies put in place to limit the amount of pollution that is put into body’s of water. It is important that we keep such a important resource safe and available to everyone globally. Although, it is still hard to provide safe and clean water to everyone considering some of these countries do not receive much outside help to solve the problem. Even in the US, the water infrastructure is terrible and there is very little we can do because of the sheer amount of money it would cost to fix the water pipeline. It is important we are all aware of the effects pollution can have on our environment in order to better combat these harms.
Adam Ghanem
February 15, 2019 at 9:21 PM
Anonymous said…
Similar to how to you mentioned that you saw this pollution first hand in Pakistan, I have also seen this in India. It’s shocking that people still haven’t learned their lesson about polluting river sources. People aren’t aware of the effects they’re having on the population and even the world. Telling people to stop polluting isn’t enough, they need to be fined and charged for their actions. Furthermore, officials need to start taking more rigorous action toward implementing these laws. A huge issue in 3rd world countries in enforcement of laws. People are often free to act and do as they please with no consequence and that should be changed. Your article was very interesting and enlightening to all the harmful results of our actions and the extent of pollution in the water sources that we so heavily depend upon.
February 15, 2019 at 10:13 PM
Michelle Sun said…
Providing safe, clean drinking water is vital for maintaining the health of the human population. It's necessary for people to be educated and warned about the dangers of water pollution, especially as it negatively affects polluters themselves. More policies should be put into place to prevent water pollution to ensure the safety of drinking water. Your description of Pakistan's pollution resonates with inhabitants of hundreds of countries, because water pollution is a global issue that must be resolved.
February 17, 2019 at 10:02 PM
Anonymous said…
The pollution of water bodies in third world nations continues to be a sad problem that could be solved if a coordinated approach was taken to tackle the issue. Educating the public likely would help immensely in ending water pollution, as the issue of garbage dumping would be attacked at its source. While improving infrastructure is paramount to the successful sanitation of global water sources, education that showcases the downsides of river dumping would help prevent the pollution in the first place. If education and infrastructure is developed together, I believe the problem of water pollution could be solved within the next decade or so.
February 18, 2019 at 4:58 PM
Anonymous said…
This is a great blog, Jibran! I think it all starts with the education these people are getting. If third world countries had better access to education to learn about the consequences of littering, they would be more aware and informed about the damage done as a result of their habits with the trash. In addition, I think policies should be brought into place to limit the amounts of liter and pollution in these bodies of water. (Chloe Willig)
February 18, 2019 at 10:10 PM
Anonymous said…
I think that third world countries lack the laws to enforce restrictions against littering. There needs to be widespread education about the health problems that can occur from these water conditions in addition to these laws. Knowledge and presenting ways to help fix the problem is a great way to get citizens involved with a united solution.
February 19, 2019 at 6:31 PM
Anonymous said…
The first step is educating the people of how their actions can cause the mess. The lack of proper trash disposal services and other services pollute the rivers. The same rivers are used to bathe in and drink from so it poses a major health risk to the people of India. A disease could spread really easily through those rivers.
February 19, 2019 at 7:20 PM
Caroline Tuggle said…
I agree greatly that water is one of if not the most important resource that we have . as well as this, to greatly reduce pollution in our streams and water draining systems, i think that it could be a good idea to create alternates to highly chemically concentrated fertilizers and other yard products in order to prevent these chemicals from entering our water supply and other bodies of water . I agree that calling a great amount of attention to this issue is very important as well and not only calling attention to it but suggesting many different ways to prevent pollutants from seeping into streams, rivers, etc .
February 20, 2019 at 4:11 PM
Anonymous said…
I agree, water is one of the most, if not the most important resource we have. People need to see the effects of their actions and be aware of the damage it does so they will make a change in their habits. If people are taught about all the diseases and health issues their littering causes I think more people would make an effort to throw away their trash and keep the earth clean.
February 21, 2019 at 2:39 PM
Anonymous said…
Water is easily one of the most essential resources for survival and keeping water clean is very important. This can be difficult but even more important in third world countries that do not have the filtration techniques needed to ensure that bad water does not spread disease especially when an area is densely populated because this could be catastrophic. I think a good way to ensure that they are not polluted to such a great degree are to enforce fines for littering and garbage dumping.
February 22, 2019 at 8:04 PM
Anonymous said…
Water is easily one of the most essential resources for survival and keeping water clean is very important. This can be difficult but even more important in third world countries that do not have the filtration techniques needed to ensure that bad water does not spread disease especially when an area is densely populated because this could be catastrophic. I think a good way to ensure that they are not polluted to such a great degree are to enforce fines for littering and garbage dumping.
February 22, 2019 at 8:04 PM
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