Water pollution
Water pollution: Overview
In this topic, we will learn about water pollution. It discusses the causes, pollutants and effects of water pollution. It also covers international standards for drinking water.
Important Questions on Water pollution

Seawater contains many natural salts. Do these salts pollute the sea?

Which of the following is a point source of water pollution?

Which of the following is a natural cause of water pollution?

Which of these substances when mixed with water moderate quantities can cause pollution?

Mira thinks it is a good idea to throw used coconut oil down her kitchen drain as it will not pollute the water. Is she right in thinking so?

Which of the following is a natural cause of water pollution and can spread waterborne diseases through drinking water?

Which of the following is the possible cause of algal bloom in water bodies?

Where does the water carrying dirt and pollutants, along with this storm water or rainwater that flows on our public roads, ultimately flow into?

The city of Columbia has marked all its storm water or rainwater drains with this marker. Why is this necessary?


Most of the causes of water pollution are due to human activities. State true or false.

Read the following passage and answer the following question.
Ganga is one of the famous holy river of India. River Ganga is also called “Ganga Mata”. Ganga water remains pure, even if kept for many days. It nourishes most of the North, East India's population. World wild life Fund (WWF) in its study has found that River Ganga is one among the world's ten rivers which are in danger of their existence. Due to the growing population and industrialisation, the cities villagers and through which Ganga passes people discharge their huge garbage, untreated faecal material, dead organisms, flowers, polythene and many harmful substances directly in it and thus river Ganga is getting polluted. To save this river, in 1985, Ganga Action Plan was started but growing population and industrialisation has damaged this holy river, the government has started a unified programme co-named: Namami Ganga, but for its success, all the cooperation of the Governmental Departments and public is necessary.
What are the factors that cause water pollution in River Ganga?

Why were the people against the establishment of an industry?


Think and write the steps that can be taken to prevent the water from pollution.

Find out the sources of water in your locality. If they are polluted, discuss the causes of such pollution with elders or teachers. Write in the table given below.
Source of water | Polluted/not polluted | If polluted, reasons for pollution |

List the substances that are mixed in the waste water drained out of the kitchen and bathroom in your house.


