The issue of urban habitation and its effect on the water resources has been one of intense study for several decades. Yet the pre-existing body of statistical data on residential water pollution has been found to be incorrect in its assessment of the impact on lakes, rivers, and reservoirs that residential water pollution really has. In fact, residential water pollution is actually responsible for 50 percent more of the toxins and biological hazards that are present in ground water and other water sources than previously understood. Read more about Water and Wastewater Utilities of the World

These new findings about residential water pollution, revealed at the 238th meeting of the American Chemical Society, suggest that the methods used to calculate the overall levels of contaminants produced by residential water pollution were focused mainly on runoff that occurred during rainy seasons. However, the levels of pesticides, fertilizers, and other pathogens that are a byproduct of residential water pollution during dry seasons has not been accounted for sufficiently, according to the study cited at the ACS meeting.

The previous methods used to study residential water pollution that focused primarily on wet season figures were based on sound research principles that looked at rain-related runoff levels, which are a traditional indicator of the presence of residential water pollution. Yet the use of chemical compounds for fertilizing plants and controlling pests in dry seasons was not considered as a significant standard for assessing residential water pollution.

Water and Wastewater Utilities of the World

The revelation that the high rate of gardening and pest control that occurs in dry seasons is actually responsible for 50 percent more pollution of water resources has come as an understandable surprise to many in the scientific community, who are beginning to see the connection between these activities and increases in residential water pollution in dry seasons. Although dry season studies did include various factors of contaminants from residential water pollution, the impact of those factors was not previously given the significance that likely was deserved.

This increase in residential water pollution data may be due in part to the increased pest control activities of homeowners as a response to a greater presence of such insects as fire ants in urban and suburban environments. Continued development of natural habitats of such insects for housing and commercial uses may be the cause of more pesticides being used, resulting in more residential water pollution overall. Although ant control has traditionally accounted for the majority of home pesticide usage, other pests such as cockroaches, rodents, and stinging insects such as bees and wasps are also a part of the substantial increase in pesticide use and its presence in residential water pollution.

These new revelations concerning residential water pollution has led to a more proactive approach by scientific research groups to inform the general public about the need to adjust chemical usage throughout the year. Community outreach programs are a part of that approach, including a focus on better irrigation methods and management of pest environments to lessen the impact of residential water pollution on the overall environment. Programs such as these may lead to a better understanding in the way in which urban activities can have a positive effect on the planet at large.