Water Pollution in Lake Ontario and Hamilton Harbour: Causes and Solutions

Lake Ontario and Hamilton Harbour are vital ecosystems and resources for drinking water, recreation, and habitat for diverse wildlife. Unfortunately, they face significant threats from water pollution. Stormwater runoff is one of Hamilton’s most pressing environmental challenges. As rainwater and melting snow flow across streets, parking lots, and industrial sites, they pick up harmful pollutants—litter, oil, heavy metals, and fertilizers—and carry them directly into our water system. In the summer months, we’ve seen damaging algal blooms. These blooms and other issues in the water are a result of too many nutrients in the water. Phosphorus is a nutrient essential for plant growth, but excessive amounts in water bodies can cause eutrophication, depleting oxygen levels and creating dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive. 

Residents, industries, and governments all have a role in creating cleaner water. We can all reduce our water consumption, dispose of chemicals properly, and use eco-friendly cleaning products. 

Types of Pollution in Lake Ontario and Hamilton Harbour

1. Nutrient Pollution
   Excess phosphorus from fertilizers, detergents, and organic waste promotes algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in the water, harming aquatic life.
2. Industrial Pollution
   Heavy metals, chemicals, and untreated wastewater from industries can contaminate water and sediment, impacting ecosystems and human health.
3. Stormwater Runoff
   Rainwater picks up oil, grease, salt, and litter from urban streets, washing them into waterways.
4. Microplastics
   Tiny plastic particles from cosmetics, textiles, and degraded waste accumulate in water bodies, threatening aquatic organisms.
5. Sewage Overflow
   Combined sewer systems can release untreated sewage during heavy rain, introducing bacteria and pathogens into the water.
   

How Residents, Government, Agriculture, and Industry Can Help

Government

• Invest in wastewater treatment infrastructure to prevent sewage overflows.
• Create policies and incentives for green stormwater management practices, like permeable pavements.
• Monitor and enforce industrial pollution regulations.

Agriculture

• Use buffer strips and cover crops to reduce nutrient runoff into waterways.
• Implement soil testing and precision agriculture techniques to minimize fertilizer use.
• Store manure responsibly to prevent leaching into the water.

Industry

• Treat industrial wastewater before discharge.
• Adopt cleaner production technologies and processes.
• Participate in partnerships focused on local water stewardship.

Residents

• Reduce lawn fertilizer use and opt for organic alternatives.
• Properly dispose of household chemicals, ensuring they don’t end up in drains.
• Install rain barrels and create rain gardens to manage stormwater naturally.
• Choose eco-friendly products and avoid single-use plastics.

The Green Venture team hosted a few workshops in downtown Hamilton to show residents how to make their own cleaning supplies to help support better water quality in Hamilton. These workshops were funded by Ward 2 Community Funds.

Historically, cleaning products contained larger amounts of phosphorus, but this has since been changed by legislation. 

Phosphates break down grease, dirt and mineral deposits. The most common form of phosphate used in cleaning is known as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). Phosphates act as water softeners and emulsifiers, allowing the cleaning agents to work more efficiently and enhance the overall cleaning performance of the product.

The Regulations were amended in 2009 to broaden the scope to include household cleaning products and dish-washing compounds. This has made a difference in the amount of phosphates cleaning products and detergents contribute. However, making your own DIY products not only eliminates the phosphorus contribution you make when cleaning, but it also reduces the amount of single-use plastics and potential exposure to irritating chemicals.

DIY Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions

Reducing household chemical use is an easy and impactful way to reduce water pollution. Here are a few recipes for eco-friendly cleaners:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional for fragrance, such as lemon or tea tree).

Instructions:

1. Combine vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Add baking soda and essential oil, if using.
3. Shake gently to mix. Use on countertops, sinks, and more.

2. Glass Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
• 1-2 drops of dish soap (optional).

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Spray on glass surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.

3. Powdered Laundry Detergent

• 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded bar soap
• 1 cup borax
• 1 cup washing soda
• A few drops of essential oils 
• *White vinegar for rinse cycle, if desired -- only to be put in during the rinse cycle, like a fabric softener. 

Conclusion

Protecting Lake Ontario and Hamilton Harbour is a shared responsibility. By reducing pollutants from homes, industries, and agriculture, and supporting government initiatives, we can preserve these waters for future generations. Small actions, like using eco-friendly cleaning solutions, add up to significant changes when adopted collectively. Together, we can make a difference!