Tips for cleaner water
After polluted water undergoes a treatment process at one of our sewage treatment plants (WWTPs), the water flows back into the ditches at the end of the process. The water is then clean enough for aquatic animals to live in and, at official swimming water sites, for people to recreate in.
But what doesn't go in doesn't have to be taken out at sewage treatment! Here are our tips on how you can contribute to cleaner water!
Tip 1: Don't flush junk down the toilet
Don't throw junk like grease, wipes, tampons and lenses down the toilet. Also, don't flush Household Hazardous Waste (such as medicines, oil, turpentine and paint) down the toilet, but submit it separately. Anything you flush down the sink or toilet that doesn't belong there is difficult to clean out of sewage and can cause blockages in sewers or at pumping stations.
Therefore, flush only the 3 p's down the toilet: Poop, Pee and (toilet) Paper. Throw everything else in the trash can provided for that purpose.
Tip 2: Prevent litter.
A banana peel "survives" on the street for a year, a spit-out gum for 20 years, and a plastic bottle never decays. Much waste eventually ends up in the water and in the sea, forming a plastic soup. Garbage belongs in the trash. If you use a plastic bottle turn it in, good for the environment and you get a deposit for it. Or choose a refillable drinking bottle and take your own (cotton) shopping bag to the supermarket. In North Holland, many people are actively combating litter, such as the silent rapers and the Zwerfinator.
Tip 3: Check current bathing water quality
What wonderful swimming weather! In summer, many people enjoy water like while swimming. As water board, we regularly measure the quality of the official swimming water locations on behalf of the province. Where necessary, we also advise on measures to improve bathing water quality.
Swimming in nature is always at your own risk. Before taking a dip, check outwww.zwemwater.nl(external link). Under the tab 'Measurement data' you will find the current water quality of the official swimming water locations.
Tip 4: Use cosmetics without microplastics
Possibly thousands of personal care products contain tiny beads of plastic. These are microplastics, and the cosmetics industry calls these particles microbeads. These beads are incorporated into shampoos and scrubs, among other products. Microplastics are hardly distinguishable to the naked eye and end up in the sewer system through the shower drain.
Read more aboutmicroplastics(external link)and their effects on the Plastic Soup Foundation website.
More tips
Looking for even more tips? For more tips see the page What can you do yourself for clean and healthy water?