Water Pollution

Photo taken by Kamil, found at: Water Pollution

Water exists as the largest natural resource on the planet, covering nearly seventy percent of the Earth’s surface (Krantz & Kifferstein). This large portion of our world provides for several outdoor recreational activities. Whether it is white-water rafting, canoeing down a river, or simply swimming in the ocean, one can typically find something to enjoy pertaining to water activities. This is not limited to physically being in the water, though. Some individuals struggle when it comes to the thought of water. They may be a hydrophobic or simply be unable to swim. Luckily, though, these individuals do not have to refrain from the outside water world. Fishing is a common outdoor recreational activity that excites many. This not only includes the typical water fishing, but it can also consist of ice and fly fishing. Fishing can play the part of a hobby or even more importantly, it can take the form of a career needed for survival. There is one very important issue that primarily concerns fishing: water pollution. Yes, water pollution affects every body of water, but some are more vital than others. Recreational activities have the ability to be removed with no severe consequences, but fish are a vital food supply constantly needed for not only humans, but also animals. Water pollution negatively affects every aspect of our lives in a variety of ways, but it has the possibility to wipe out an entire food supply. Water pollution results from several different pollutants, but humans are known as the leading cause of the issue.

Polluted water not only exists in homes, but it is also found in industries throughout the nation (“Water is Essential for Life”). Whether it is run-off from contaminated land or mistreatment of sewage systems, they all have the possibility to enter our bodies. This results in water contamination in nearly every public facility one may enter. There is a common threat, though, that many people tend to forget when it comes to water pollution. This type of pollution can be indirectly harmful, with one never even touching a drop of water. This is titled as microbiological water pollution, and it has the potential to result in life-threatening diseases (“Water is Essential for Life”). In simpler terms, this occurs when a fish is contaminated in polluted water and then is prepared as a dish for someone to eat. Many diseases, such as polio and cholera, have been the direct result of these contaminated meals (Water is Essential for Life”). Several chemical pollutants are also present in the rapid deterioration of aquatic-life. Chemicals from industrial plants, pesticides from agriculture, and the breakdown of natural wastes all contribute to chemical water pollution. Whatever the pollutant may be, they all begin with humans and are detrimental to the life of anyone or anything that come in contact with the substance.

Fish have always been a vital part of our lives, and fishing is one of my most favorable hobbies. My family owns a cabin in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and we travel there at least four times a year. Having never been very keen on the thought of hiking or exploring in nature, fishing has provided me with an alternative activity that I have grown to love. Fishing is a hobby that can be very competitive, yet relaxing at the same time. I spent several years acquiring the correct knowledge for fishing. Some may perceive it as a very easy sport to adhere to, but it comes with a lot of different techniques that one must learn. With the increasing amount of water pollutants in our environment, though, the numbers of fish in our waters are dwindling. This not only prohibits the amount of fish humans can attain, but it also interrupts several food chains. With an insufficient amount of fish that is needed, several other species have the possibility of slowly deteriorating if another food supply is not found. This process allows for the possibility of losing several business and career opportunities in our country. Not only will fishermen begin to lose their jobs, but also anyone whose business involves fish will begin to suffer. It may not seem apparent at first, but the severe threats of water pollution have the ability to weaken our economy if not handled properly. Humans must be aware that their own neglect for their environments may cause their lives to suffer.

Water pollution may never be fully preventable, but it has the potential to be lessened with several precautions from humans. Most importantly, new technology needs to be designed in order to assure that the water sent to homes is completely filtered. On several occasions, I have turned my faucet to find brown dirty water pouring out of my faucet. I am sure that this is not uncommon throughout the United States. Not everyone has the ability to achieve a home water-filtering system for every faucet, which should not be of their concern in the first place. In many cases, used water is accidently mixed into clean water resources. With new technology and closer inspections of our water-filtering plants, clean water is most certainly achievable. Not only will industries need to reassess their filtering-plants, but every individual will need to reconsider their everyday activities. Littering can result in the polluting of water, as well as harmful, unnecessary nutrients that are put into the land. Littering is not subject to the direct placing of trash into the environment, but it can also include the end result of normal routines. Grass clippings and pet wastes can be very destructive when they come in contact with any body of water. Also, the more trees and shrubs that are left on the earth will help prevent soil erosion from contaminating our waters (Krantz & Kifferstein). With several safety measures from the inhabitants of earth, our waters have the potential to become purified once again.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the residents of Earth to take charge in the battle against water pollution. Awareness and education on the causes and effects of water pollution need to be readily available in order for one to fully comprehend the results of his/her actions (Krantz & Kifferstein). One may never discover a true preventative method for water pollution, but with increasing technology it can drastically be reduced. Fish are a constant food supply for not only humans, but also for other species on the food chain. Water pollution has the ability to wipe out several aquatic species, which would result in serious disaster among our society. Not only would there be a loss of an important food supply, but there would also be a loss in a professional and recreational sport. Fishing is quite common throughout the world, but without a sufficient number of fish in the waters, fishing will not be possible for entertainment. With a primary concern towards the health of our bodies of water, fishing and fish will not have to reach their end.





Works Cited:

Krantz, David and Brad Kifferstein. “Water Pollution and Society.” 2 November 2008, http://www.umich.edu/~gs265/society/waterpollution.htm>.

Water is Essential for Life. “Everyone is Against Water Pollution… but How does it Happen, and how can it be Prevented?” 2 November 2008,http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/5161/water1.htm

A Shocking Journey to Crick Hills

There are several bodies of water throughout the world that are held in high regard. The Red Sea, the Panama Canal, the Persian Gulf, the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, just to name a few, have been homes to quite a few historical events. Although these are familiar to most inhabitants of the world, there are several smaller bodies of water that are important to specific regions surrounding them. I reside in the small town of Scottdale, Pennsylvania, which contains many rivers and creeks that are vital to the town’s history. One site, in particular, is known to the community as Crick Hills. To those unfamiliar to the area, it is referred to as the “Blue Hole.” This name was established because of the immense depth of the water, which gave it a dark blue appearance. This significant landmark is near the outskirts of town and is located in the only true woods of our small town. During the summer months, Crick Hills is always full of excitement and large groups of people. This body of water contains much more than what is visible to the naked eye, though. The legends of what is beneath the water may be shocking to those who hear them for the first time, as I was. After I was told about these “so-called” rumors, I was naturally curious to explore the scene on my own. Prior to my journey into Crick Hills, I was ignorant to the true beauty and value that this important historical site has to offer.

I was quite intimidated by Crick Hills at first because of the horror stories I had heard concerning the area. It is said that there are numerous bodies and relics to be found beneath the water. There are several possibilities though, as to how they were lost there. There is a set of railroad tracks that sit on the hill above the creek. A locomotive, that was carrying goods into Scottdale, had been lost along its route. There was evidence that there had been a disaster along the hillside, and many believe that the locomotive had fallen off its chain in that exact spot. There was also a local mine shaft very close to the area several years ago, which had haphazardly collapsed. Along with the workers trapped inside, the shaft was enclosed with vast amounts of water and sunk to the base of the creek, never to be seen again. The Civil War played an enormous role in our country’s history, and there was a Civil War armory located in the woods surrounding the creek. There are no remnants left from the armory in the woods, but several of the artifacts can be found in our local historical house. Among all of these important factors, there are also cars, animals, and garbage floating around in the dark water. Whether it be remainders from the Civil War or parts from a lost train, they are all important to a true understanding of the importance of Crick Hills.

My first journey into Crick Hills was quite thrilling, yet scary at the same time. The weather was absolutely beautiful when we began our mile long excursion into the woods. We traveled through everything from high brush to man-made mud holes, while carrying our overly-packed bags. The mud holes were everywhere, almost as though someone created a track for quads and trucks to pass over them. We also had to cross over railroad tracks on a bridge, which was one of the most terrifying things that I have ever done. It seemed as though the bridge was never going to end, and we had to be careful not to look down at long drop beneath us while walking. We were also unsure whether a train was going to pass while we were crossing, which was exceptionally daunting. After passing over the bridge, we did not have much longer until we reached the hill in which the locomotive was thought to have crashed. It was such an extensive drop, but we decided to venture down the hill in hopes of perceiving something interesting. We were unsuccessful in our search, but we reached the heart of the creek. It was absolutely stunning, nothing like that of what I had pictured it to be. I had prepared myself for seeing car parts and dirty water, but my visions were entirely false. There were only a few other people there, which made me feel a little safer about diving into the water. There were two different rocks to jump off, one a bit higher than the other. There was only one side of the creek that was safe to jump into because there was an abandoned car very close to the surface on the other side. We became friends with the people who were already jumping, and they told us stories of people that had been hurt while at the creek, which may not have been the best choice. They told us of the person who had discovered the abandoned car while jumping into the creek. His foot went straight through the windshield, which left him with a hefty scar on his right leg. There was another story of a boy, who decided to do a back flip off the highest rock, but his trick was unsuccessful and it left him with a concussion. After hearing these stories, I was hesitant as to whether or not I wanted to get into the water. My friends convinced me that it was safe to jump into the area where the others were: therefore, I decided to jump off the low rock into the freezing cold water. It was an experience unlike any other, and the only thought in my mind was the absurd things that were beneath me. My imagination was soaring as I thought of the possible bodies that I was swimming on top of. We continued jumping for hours, but we had to leave an hour before the sun was going to set in order to be able to make it out of the woods. The journey out of the woods didn’t seem nearly as long as the trip into the woods, especially crossing back over the bridge. I imagined the union soldiers marching over the same land that I was and getting water from the creek that I was swimming in. It is an indescribable feeling to know that I am able to be a part of something so imperative to my nation’s well-being. My first journey into Crick Hills is one that will never be able to be replaced.

Crick Hills may seem as though it is just another body of water to those unfamiliar to the area, but it has been a place of learning for me. Prior to my journey, I was ignorant to its true importance because I had not been educated in its historical past. Because I reside in such a small town, I had never known the pure beauty of the nature that was so close to me. I have made several trips back to Crick Hills, teaching others of what I had learned, but nothing compares to my initial visit. I have learned that in order to obtain the true meaning of something, one must forget what others have told her/him, and create his/her own assumptions