Water Pollution

Water pollution happens when harmful things go into rivers, lakes, wells or the sea and make the water dirty or dangerous for people, animals and plants.

Some rivers and lakes in Kenya face pollution from city waste and farms. For example, people worry about the pollution in the Nairobi River and runoff that can affect Lake Victoria. Communities and groups are working to clean these places.

1. Drinking dirty water can cause stomach pains, diarrhea and other illnesses.
2. Fish die so fishermen get less food and money.
3. Birds and other animals that drink or live in water can be hurt.

• Never throw plastic or rubbish into rivers, gutters or drains. Use a bin. ♻️
• Use a reusable water bottle instead of many plastic bottles.
• Ask adults to fix leaking septic tanks or pipes and to treat sewage properly.
• Plant trees near rivers to stop soil from washing into the water.
• Join or start a local river or beach clean-up with your family or school.
• Tell a teacher or parent if you see someone dumping waste into a river.
• Save water at home so less dirty water needs treatment (turn off taps, take shorter showers).

If water looks cloudy, smells bad or has oil on it, do not drink it. Ask an adult to boil or treat the water before using it. If someone falls into dirty water, get help from an adult right away.

1) With your class or family, choose a small area near school or home (a roadside drain or small stream).
2) Wear gloves and use bags for trash. Separate plastics to recycle.
3) Count how many bags you collect and tell your teacher. Take photos and draw what the place looked like before and after.

1. Give one cause of water pollution. (Answer idea: Plastic thrown into rivers)
2. Name one thing you can do to help protect water. (Answer idea: Join a clean-up)
3. Why should we not drink water that smells bad? (Answer idea: It can make us sick)