WHERE ARE AMERICA’S TEN MOST POLLUTED RIVERS-
WHERE ARE AMERICA’S TEN MOST POLLUTED RIVERS?
America’s waterways face significant contamination challenges, with rivers bearing the brunt of human activities. The intersection of household chemicals, personal hygiene products, pharmaceuticals, and human waste occurs within the confines of sewers. When rainwater carries pesticides, fertilizers, automotive chemicals, and trash into these sewers, the result is often sewage backups, spills, and a污浊 brew that floods rivers and streams.
A Vicious Cycle of Pollution
Each year, over 860 billion gallons of this toxic mixture escape from sewer systems, enough to submerge Pennsylvania in ankle-deep water or provide every American with a weekly bath for a year. After surging out of pipes or manhole covers, this foul slurry contaminates the nearest water body. Some of it may be treated and reused, only to return to the sewers and restart the cycle.
The Susquehanna River: A Case Study
The Susquehanna River, consistently ranked among America’s Most Endangered Rivers, serves as a poignant example. With 123 major sewer systems linking it from New York to Maryland, the river’s widening into the Chesapeake Bay reveals the impact of inadequate sewage treatment and frequent spills. Vanishing seagrasses and declining seafood harvests highlight the severity of the issue.
The Health Implications
Untreated sewage is a haven for infectious diseases such as salmonella, hepatitis, dysentery, and cryptosporidium. These diseases were once responsible for limiting the average U.S. lifespan to about 50 years. Despite advancements, sewage continues to sicken or kill thousands annually. The risks are highest for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Water Pollution and Health
A 1998 study in the International Journal of Epidemiology linked water pollution to one-third of all reported gastroenteritis cases and two-thirds of ear infections. Every year, an estimated 3.5 million Americans fall ill after coming into contact with water they believed to be safe.
The Top Ten Polluted Rivers
The list of America’s most polluted rivers is dynamic, changing each year. However, certain rivers consistently rank high due to their pollution levels. Below is a list of these rivers, along with the states most responsible for their conditions:
1. Mississippi River (TN, AR, LA, MO, IL, MN, WI, IA, KY, MS)
2. Pacific Ocean (OR, HI, CA)
3. Ohio River (IL, IN, OH, KY, WV, PA)
4. Tennessee River (KY, TN, AL)
5. Houston Ship Channel (TX)
6. Ward Cove (AK)
7. Savannah River (GA, SC)
8. Delaware River (DE, PA, NJ)
9. Thames River (CT)
10. Grays Harbor (WA)
The Broader Impact
The risks extend beyond those who recreate in and around these waterways. Between 1985 and 2000, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) documented 251 disease outbreaks and nearly half a million cases of waterborne illness from polluted drinking water in the United States. Another study by the CDC and the National Academy of Sciences found that most seafood-related illnesses originate from human sewage.
Conclusion
America’s most polluted rivers are a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities. Addressing this issue requires concerted efforts from all sectors to ensure the health and safety of both the environment and the population. The journey to cleaner waterways is ongoing, and the stakes are high for the well-being of future generations.