The natural water-purification process involves the action of bacteria using oxygen to decompose organic matter. If too much waste is dumped into a given body of water, this natural cleansing process cannot take place, or at least does not take place fast enough.
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The ultimate problem of water pollution stems from our using natural resources in greater and greater amounts because of additional industrialization, pollution growth, a greater dependence on appliances, and from a subsequent increase in the need for sewage disposal. The problem of dissolving waste has put a real strain on waste-disposal systems. Current engineering research is attempting to solve some of the problems of water pollution by developing different types of waste-disposal systems.
Misuse of our water has far-reaching consequences, threatening people all over the world from every age group and culture. Therefore, we must take definite personal responsibility for stopping needless pollution of the water by exercising careful personal use of agents that can ultimately destroy it and by utilizing legal procedures to prevent undue dumping of wastes into streams. Some of the health problems associated with contaminated water would be eliminated with proper legislation, and needless sickness and death could be avoided. More importantly, the health of future generations and their change to enjoy the beauty, taste, and power of the water depend on us who are so carelessly polluting it.
(Murray, RB and Zentner JP., Nursing Concepts for Health Promotion, Second Edtion, Prentice-Hall, Inc, Englewood Cliffs, N.J, 1979).
