Environmental Science Assignment 3

2nd Semester 2022-2023

Name: RONIELYN Z. SENTIN Block Year and Section: BSA-1A

Date of Submission: APRIL 20, 2023 Rating: _______________________

Question: As a professional, how can you help prevent the pollution of our natural resources?
Identify the specific resource and pollution problem and discuss your plan thoroughly.

WATER RESOURCE, POLLUTION, AND PREVENTION

Water is one of the most essential natural resources on the planet. It is the foundation of
life and is crucial for human survival. It plays a vital role in sustaining our environment,
economy, and society. They include all sources of water, such as rivers, lakes, oceans,
groundwater, and precipitation. The Philippines is endowed with abundant water resources due
to its unique geographical location and climatic conditions. The country is home to more than
400 rivers, 60 major lakes, and thousands of small ones. It also has an extensive coastline of
more than 36,000 kilometers, providing access to marine resources. However, the country’s
water resources have become a major problem, posing a serious threat to the health and well-
being of people, animals, and the environment. As a professional, there are several ways that we
can help prevent the pollution of our water resources.

Discussion:

Water resources are used for a wide range of activities, including domestic, industrial,
and agricultural purposes. In urban areas, water is used for drinking, sanitation, and
firefighting. In rural areas, water is used for irrigation and livestock watering. Industries use
water for cooling and processing purposes, while power plants use water for cooling and
generating electricity. Water resources are also important for maintaining healthy ecosystems
and supporting biodiversity. Industries use water for cooling and processing purposes, while
power plants use water for cooling and generating electricity. Water resources are also
important for maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting biodiversity. However, it faces
several challenges, including climate change, population growth, pollution, and over-extraction.
Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and
groundwater. The main sources of water pollution are industrial and agricultural activities,
untreated sewage, and household waste. These activities release harmful chemicals, toxins, and
other pollutants into the water, making it unsafe for human consumption and damaging the
ecosystem.
Environmental Science Assignment 3
2nd Semester 2022-2023

One of the most significant problems associated with water pollution is the negative
impact it has on human health. The discharge of untreated wastewater into rivers and other
bodies of water has led to high levels of bacterial contamination, causing waterborne diseases
such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery (Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, 2020). These diseases are a significant health risk, especially to vulnerable
populations such as children and the elderly. Water pollution also has a devastating impact on
the environment. Polluted water can kill aquatic animals and plants, disrupt the food chain, and
damage ecosystems. It can also affect the quality of soil, which can lead to a decrease in crop
yields and, ultimately, food shortages. Another problem associated with water pollution is the
economic impact it has on communities. Polluted water can damage the fishing and tourism
industries, leading to job losses and economic decline. In addition, the cost of cleaning up
polluted water can be extremely high, putting a strain on already limited resources. On the other
hand, there are several ways to address water pollution. Governments can implement laws and
regulations to limit the amount of pollutants that can be released into water bodies. Industries
can use sustainable practices that minimize pollution and waste. Communities can also take
steps to reduce their impact on the environment by properly disposing of household waste and
conserving water.

As a professional, a thorough plan that can be used to prevent water pollution starts at
raising awareness. The first step in preventing water pollution is to raise awareness about the
issue. As a professional, you can use your platform to educate people about the importance of
clean water and the dangers of pollution. This can be done through social media, public
speaking engagements, and other forms of outreach. Next is reducing chemical usage, many
chemicals that are commonly used in homes and businesses can be harmful to water resources.
For example, pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaning products can all contribute to water pollution.
As a professional, you can help prevent water pollution by reducing the use of these chemicals
or switching to safer alternatives. Another is proper waste disposal; improper waste disposal is
one of the leading causes of water pollution. As a professional, you can help prevent this by
promoting proper waste disposal practices. This can include encouraging recycling, using
composting, and properly disposing of hazardous waste. Then we can support clean water
initiatives as there are many organizations that are working to protect and preserve our water
resources. As a professional, you can support these initiatives by donating money, volunteering
your time, or simply spreading the word about their efforts. Finally, as a professional, you can
use your voice to advocate for stronger environmental regulations. This can include supporting
legislation that will protect our water resources, and speaking out against practices that are
harmful to the environment.

Conclusion:
Environmental Science Assignment 3
2nd Semester 2022-2023

In conclusion, water resources are critical for human survival, economic development,
and environmental sustainability in the Philippines. However, water pollution poses a
significant risk on human health, the environment, and the economy. It is crucial that we take
action to address this issue and protect this essential natural resource. As a professional, you
can help prevent water pollution by raising awareness, reducing chemical usage, promoting
proper waste disposal practices, supporting clean water initiatives, and advocating for stronger
environmental regulations. Remember, preventing water pollution is everyone's responsibility.
By taking small steps towards preserving water resources, and by working together,
implementing sustainable practices and reducing pollution, we can ensure a sustainable future
for generations to come.

References:

Philippines Overview. (2022). World Bank. Retrieved from

Baltazar, A. M., & Hernandez, T. E. (2017). Water resources management in the Philippines:
Challenges and prospects. Journal of Water Resources Management, 31(8),
2333-2346. doi:10.1007/s11269-017-1606-1

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2019). Water Quality Management.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2020). State of the Philippine

https://www.denr.gov.ph/index.php/publications/strategic communication-water-quality-
management-program/item/1759-state-of-the-philippine-environment-water-
quality.html