The Murky Waters of San Diego Harbor

I say San Diego Harbor, but the problem is much more widespread than that. Granted, the Hudson River is no longer so dirty it burns, but these and many other bodies of water could be much cleaner.

Why Would Anyone Want Cleaner Water?

Cleaner rivers, beaches and harbors have several benefits. First and most obvious, more people want to live by clean bodies of water, driving up property values. Second, it gives the water system’s pumps and water treatment plants an easier time, giving cleaner, cheaper drinking water. Number three: it encourages fish to live in more places, helping the fishing industry because the fish become more plentiful to keep their population density up. People are also able to use bodies of water for recreation more often if the water is clean.

What Can I Do About It?

The easiest thing you can do, don’t throw trash into storm drains, rivers, or the ocean. Next, if you wash your car in your driveway you could help by taking it to a car wash instead. Now, if you own a farm or use pesticides on your garden, you can use less or switch to a more environmentally friendly type. Developing countries are also a big culprit. For example, most of the muck in San Diego’s water floats north from Mexico. You can help reduce this problem by urging your government officials to help developing countries meet cleaner water quality and waste management standards. More than likely, there are other things you can do, but I just can’t think of them right now