Causes of Groundwater Pollution

Posted by Kenton Jones on Sep 23rd 2024

Over 50% of Americans depend on groundwater for drinking water. It is also essential for irrigating food, livestock, and industrial crops. However, groundwater is also highly susceptible to pollution. Materials and substances from the surface can move through the soil and seep into water resources. From pesticides and fertilizers to septic tanks and underground storage waste, any number of contaminants can leach under the surface to cause groundwater contamination.

If you rely on groundwater as a primary water resource, it's essential to know about the potential pollutants in your water so that you can protect yourself from them.

How Does Groundwater Become Polluted?

Water is particularly vulnerable to pollution because it is known as a universal solvent — this means that it can dissolve a wide variety of substances. While this trait is useful in cooking, it's not ideal in environments with toxic substances. Toxic materials from any number of sources can leak into groundwater and dissolve into it, causing widespread water pollution. Some of the primary toxic materials and sources of groundwater pollution are listed and explained below:

1. Waste

Any type of used water is called wastewater. It can come from our homes or businesses and includes water from sinks, showers, toilets, and industrial activities. It also includes stormwater runoff, which is what happens when rainfall carries road salts and automotive chemicals from the road to the waterways.

The United States does what it can with its wastewater treatment facilities, which process about34 billion gallons of wastewater per day. These facilities remove pollutants like pathogens, phosphorus, and nitrogen before discharging water back into waterways.

However, this treatment process only handles 86.5% of the total wastewater produced in North America and Europe — the rest flows back into the surrounding environment without being treated or reused. Even more concerning is the fact that overwhelmed and aging sewage treatment systems are becoming less effective over time and are currently releasing over 900 billion gallons of untreated wastewater each year.

2. Landfills

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in 2018 alone, the United States produced 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste, which equals approximately 4.9 pounds per person per day. Where did all of it go? More than half of it was deposited in landfills.

Landfills are normally designed to prevent contaminant leakage. Complex systems of liners and protective layers are installed before dumping to prevent contaminants from seeping into the ground and contaminating natural resources. However, these liners aren't perfect. In rare cases, toxic leachate from the landfill can seep through cracks or holes in the landfill lining and reach groundwater. More often, however, contamination occurs through more indirect means.

The most common landfill-associated contamination occurs through transportation, runoff, and animal activity. Waste-carrying trucks leak solid and hazardous waste as they transport materials or get into accidents that result in leaks.

Rain that flows through the landfill is another source of pollution, as it is rarely treated before being dumped back into the surrounding environment. Finally, bird populations often feed on new trash added to landfills and then fly to secondary locations, carrying with them any toxins they picked up while at the landfill.

3. Microplastics

A 2019 study by the University of Illinois found that karst aquifers — groundwater ecosystems made up of creviced carbonate rock that make up one-quarter of global drinking water sources — are now contaminated with microplastic particles.

Researchers examined 17 groundwater samples from areas near the St. Louis metropolitan area and rural northwestern Illinois. They discovered that 16 of the samples contained microplastic particles at a concentration comparable to those found in rivers and streams in the Chicago area. Analysis suggests that these karst aquifers are contaminated by groundwater seepage, which includes sewage and runoff from roads, landfills, and agricultural areas, as well as traces of pharmaceuticals and household contaminants.

The limited research available on the effects of microplastic contamination precludes them from determining how their spread to underground aquifers will affect the health of the general populace. What this study does offer is more support for the continued study and awareness of plastic contamination in water, as it is likely that many people have inadvertently ingested microplastic particles through contaminated water.

4. Air Pollution

Since groundwater is part of the water cycle, contaminants affecting other parts of the cycle can significantly impact groundwater quality. For example, air pollution can be picked up by the water in the atmosphere to produce acid rain, which is a grave problem for groundwater supplies.

While many environments have natural buffers against acid rain in the form of rich soil, an increasing number of environments, particularly urban and suburban areas, don't have the buffering capacity to handle larger amounts of acid rain. As a result, when acid rain hits the ground, it can seep in and affect groundwater.

Groundwater isn't the only resource in danger from acid rain, however. Many plants and animals are sensitive to acids and may experience increased mortality in the presence of acid rain. This negatively affects the ecosystem in general and has long-lasting effects. Acid rain can even cause skin and lung irritation in humans, and prolonged exposure can lead to heart problems.

5. Fuels

Fuels are another source of contamination that can get into groundwater sources through several means:

Air contamination: One common way that fuel negatively affects groundwater sources is through air contamination. When cars, ships, airplanes, coal-fired power plants, and industrial operations burn fossil fuels, they release nitrogen oxides into the air, which contribute to the production of acid rain. The acid rain then deposits these nitrogen oxides back onto land, washing them into nearby water bodies and into groundwater sources.
Stormwater runoff: Another common cause of fuel pollution is stormwater runoff. Cars and planes may leak fuel as they operate, or fuel may spill during the fueling process. Storms may then wash any gas or other fluids left on the road into wastewater systems. Because the majority of wastewater is untreated, this fuel pollution will likely leak into the environment.
Factory runoff or petroleum drilling: Finally, petroleum byproducts may get into the surrounding environment through factory runoff or petroleum drilling practices. Petroleum has to go through extensive processing to create final products like gasoline and petroleum-based chemicals. Often, these processes produce petroleum byproducts that get into factory wastewater systems and potentially leak into the environment if they're not processed correctly.

6. Septic Systems

While municipal sewage systems serve 75% of American homes and businesses, about 25% are responsible for their own waste management. Septic systems are onsite wastewater disposal systems commonly used by homes and offices.

While properly built septic systems are designed to drain human waste at a harmless rate, poor design, location, maintenance, or construction can cause these systems to leak pathogens, household chemicals, and other contaminants into the surrounding area. This issue can be particularly problematic for people who get their drinking water from nearby private wells.

7. Chemicals

Chemical contaminants come from a variety of residential, agricultural, and industrial sources. Aluminum, chloramine, lead, mercury, radium, and uranium are just a few examples of common waterborne chemical contaminants. Runoff from industrial and agricultural areas is one of the most common waysthese chemicals get into groundwater.

However, current estimates state that there are about 20,000 known abandoned and uncontrolled hazardous waste sites in the U.S., and that number increases with each passing year. Any leaks in containment vessels at these waste sites can cause hazardous materials to leak into the soil and groundwater.

8. Pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals applied to farmlands, gardens, and lawns to control pest populations. However, these toxic chemicals can make their way into groundwater systems through runoff. While not all pesticides pose a health hazard to humans, some of them increase the risk of cancer and reproductive problems and can injure the eyes, liver and kidneys.

9. Animal Waste

Animal waste is another nonpoint source of water pollution that comes from the agricultural industry. Often produced by dairy and poultry operations, animal waste is an economical and commonly used fertilizer. However, animal waste can leak into groundwater supplies and cause various health problems.

Animal waste contains various pathogens and chemicals that are hazardous to human health. Cow waste, for example, can contain disease-causing bacterialike fecal coliform and E. Coli. Animal waste is also a common source of nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, phosphate, copper, zinc, and sulfate, which are all problematic for water sources.

10. Arsenic

Arsenic is a heavy metal commonly found in rocks, soil, and various plants. These natural sources, however, are rarely problematic. High levels of arsenic in water usually result from human activity. For example, numerous industries commonly use arsenic-based compounds and pesticides, and mining operations and combusting coal can release arsenic into the environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency sets a limit of 10 parts per billionfor arsenic levels in public water systems, which is the same limit set by the FDA for bottled water. If levels breach that limit, the risks to human health increase. Chronic low-dose exposure to arsenic has been shown to cause respiratory problems and cardiovascular disease and may be linked to diabetes and various cancers. Fetal development is also negatively affected by arsenic exposure.

11. Radon

Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium. Radon is often found in indoor air, released into the home as uranium breaks down beneath it. However, radon can also seep into the ground and accumulate in groundwater. When this water is brought to the surface and used, that radon gas is released into the air. While only 1% to 2% of radon gets into the atmosphere through this method, it is still dangerous to human health.

Breathing radon traps these radioactive particles in the lungs, potentially causing lung cancer. In fact, radon in indoor air is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, causing about 20,000 deaths a year. Drinking water contaminated with radon can also negatively affect health.

The EPA estimates that radon in drinking water causes 168 cancer deaths per year. Lung cancer caused by breathing radon released from drinking water causes 89% of these deaths, while stomach cancer caused by consuming contaminated water causes 11% of them.

Effects of Groundwater Pollution

Water pollution is hazardous to human health. Each year, waterborne pathogens cause an estimated 6,630 deaths and 7.15 million illnesses. Even swimming in polluted water can pose a risk, leading to skin rashes, respiratory infections, and hepatitis from coastal waters that contain sewage. Of those affected by water pollution, low-income communitiesare disproportionately affected, mostly because of their proximity to pollution sources and underfunded infrastructure.

To help combat the effects of water pollution, the EPA has set standards for more than 80 contaminants. The effects of contaminants can include:

Acute health effects: Acute effects occur within hours or days of contact with the contaminant. Though these effects are generally the result of exposure to high levels of a substance, exposure to even small amounts of a pathogen may also cause acute effects. In most cases, acute effects are temporary, as the human body fights off and removes the contaminants quickly. However, significant exposure may be deadly, especially if the affected individual has a weakened immune system.
Chronic health effects: Chronic effects persist over long periods or reoccur often. Most often, chronic effects are caused by long-term exposure to chemicals, radionuclides and minerals. The most well-known chronic effect is cancer, though reproductive problems and liver, kidney, heart, and lung disease are also common chronic impacts.
Environmental degradation: Groundwater contamination can also impact land and forest quality, causing soil contamination and degradation. For example, groundwater contaminants can be transported by surface water-groundwater reactions, deteriorating the surface water quality.
Socioeconomic issues: Groundwater contamination is also a social issue. Sustainable economic development relies on a balance between the rate of renewal of natural resources and human demand. Since freshwater is the most valuable natural resource, chronic groundwater contamination may reduce its availability and break the balance between water supply and demand, leading to socioeconomic crises and even wars. Water shortages caused by contamination can cause conflicts among citizens in the future and delay a nation's socioeconomic development.

How to Reduce and Prevent the Impact of Contaminated Groundwater

With so many potential sources of groundwater pollution and numerous side effects, it's essential to do what you can to protect yourself and others. Here are just a few ways that you can prevent and reduce the impact of groundwater pollution:

Recycle: Recycle potentially harmful trash like batteries, paint, and motor oil. Don't just throw these out or flush them, as this may result in toxic chemicals leaching into your water sources. Instead, take them to the proper local disposal site for recycling or processing.
Volunteer: If water safety is a concern in your community, find out what you can do to help. Cleanup projects, donation drives, and other actions can make a significant difference for yourself and others affected by poor water infrastructure.
Maintain septic systems: Poorly installed and maintained septic tanks are a significant source of water pollution. If you own a septic system, do your part to ensureit functions properly and does not leach sewage.
Test: If you use well water, test it regularly. Annual testing is generally recommended to ensure that your water is not polluted.
Filter or purify: Whether your water is sourced from groundwater or surface water, ensure that it's free from contaminants by installing a water filtration system. Doing so can protect you and your family from contaminants while also improving the smell and taste of your water.

The Importance of Water Filtration Systems

Multipure water filtration systems like the Aqualuxe and Aquaperform can reduce harmful contaminants in your drinking water and make it safer for household use. Our industry-leading carbon block filters and advanced technologies offer a long-lasting solution to improve water quality. Experience the following benefits with a water filtration system:

Improved taste: Municipalities do their best to filter the water, but it travels through miles of pipes of unknown quality. A water filtration system can reduce contaminants that may be in your water and give your water a cleaner, fresher taste.
Better smell: Many contaminants can contribute to unpleasant-smelling water. For example, metals like zinc and iron can leach into groundwater, cause rust stains in bathrooms, and lead to metallic-smelling water coming from the taps. Chlorine and chloramine also have strong chemical odors that can make water unpleasant to drink. A water filtration system can reduce these contaminants and provide better-smelling water.
Protection from contaminants: As mentioned, there are many ways in which groundwater can become contaminated. Lead, chlorine, pesticides, arsenic, microplastics, and more can harm your health if they enter your home's drinking water. A water filtration system can protect against these health risks, making drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth with your home's water safe.
Environmentally friendly: While some people may turn to bottled water to ensure their drinking water is contaminant-free, buying cases of water can quickly become costly and harmful to the environment. Plastic bottles end up in landfills, and many areas don't have the infrastructure or resources to recycle them properly. Using water filtration systems instead of bottled water keeps non-biodegradable plastic out of our landfills, making them the more eco-friendly option.

The Aqualuxe and Aquaperform are NSF-certified and can reduce contaminants like forever chemicals (PFAS) microplastics, and arsenic, providing fresher, healthier drinking water.

Learn More From Multipure

Countless sources of pollution can cause your groundwater to become unsafe for consumption. From pesticides and fertilizers to road salt and motor oil. Contaminants in your water can cause it to become foul-tasting, odorous, or even carcinogenic. While there are many ways that you can help your community at large prevent and combat pollution, it's also important to keep yourself and your family safe. That's where Multipure's water filtration and water purification products can help.

Since 1970, Multipure has been developing products designed to provide cleaner, healthier drinking water. We believe that everyone should have affordable access to high-quality drinking water. That's why we offer water filtration systems for every budget.

To learn more about our water filtration and water purification solutions, and our industry-leading carbon block technology that empowers our products, contact Multipure today.