Homelessness impacts on Water Quality
Homelessness is one of the leading causes of pollution; nearly 405,000 individuals live on our
nations streets and shelters each year (Kanis and McCannon, 2012). Furthermore, the United
States is exerting in growth creating an influence on the health of urban and non-urban
populations. The homeless encampments found in the urban population are declining the
quantity and quality of water. Urban areas tend to have a higher population leading to an
increased pollution rates. The impacts of anthropogenic trash associated with homeless
encampments adversely effects the water quality in the local ecosystem, especially surrounding
creeks. The pollutants created through the encampments move into the environment by migrating
through groundwater, exchange with the atmosphere, and urban runoff. Pathogens that can be
found in the pollutants consist of illegal dumping of waste in rivers and streams, air pollution,
urban runoff, waste from humans, and contaminated source water. The following pathogens
negatively impact the water quality through pollutants and increasing population density.
Strategies that can help regulate homelessness are garbage collection, abatements, housing
vouchers, landscaping and collaboration. According to The Contra Costa County Flood and
Water Conservation District, over $1,000,000 dollars was spent clearing and cleaning
encampments in Costa County; many of the camps resettled within a few days (Boucher, 2013).
Officials also confirmed that the population is changing, and environmental regulations have
expanded rapidly. Moving forward, collaborations such as homeless advocates, environmental
management, and health services can contribute finding help for the homeless; as well as create a
mutual opportunity for them and the environment.
Sources:
Boucher, M. (2013). Homelessness and Water Pollution: Thinking Outside the Channel. Contra
Costa County Flood Control & Water Conservation District. Accessed online at
http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/29632
Kanis, R., McCannon, J., Craig, C., & Mergl, K.A. (2012). An end to chronic homelessness: An