Identification and Detection of Illegal Downloads
Identifying and detecting illegal discharges allows us to implement effective remediation strategies such as pipe repair and cleaning. This project, led by the team at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez's Experimental Station in direct coordination with the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, is unique on our island. The effort has improved the water bodies of the Estuary, which were in critical condition due to their location in highly urbanized areas, to moderate to good levels. This project serves as a model to be replicated in all watersheds across the island and is an important step toward ensuring the well-being of our water resources and, consequently, our health.
The proximity of our waterways to urban areas makes rivers and streams vulnerable to daily human activities, and their condition, in turn, impacts people's quality of life. Seventy-six percent of the housing units in the San Juan Bay Estuary watershed (which encompasses much of the metropolitan area) are located within 300 meters of a waterway. Therefore, it is crucial to involve communities and volunteers throughout the watershed in the process so that, in close collaboration with the Estuary, they can take ownership of protecting their waterways and improving their quality of life.
Definitions
- Cuenca
- sub-basin
- Illegal Downloads
Illegal downloads could be related to:
- Sanitary discharges (interconnections with the sanitary system or overflows)
- Septic tank overflows
- Vehicle washing water
- Oil or fuel spills
- Chemical spills
- Filtration of oil, fuel, or equipment fluids
- Sanitary Discharge
Wastewater discharge containing human-generated waste from toilets and other domestic equipment. This wastewater is composed of suspended solids (generally biodegradable organic matter), settleable solids (mainly inorganic matter), nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), and pathogenic organisms.
Activities:- Pipe protection
- Diversion of oils and greases
- Water Conservation
- Environment
- Enviromental health
Environmental health involves preventing or controlling illnesses, injuries, and disabilities related to the interaction between people and their environment. This concept encompasses the assessment and control of environmental factors that have the potential to affect health. It focuses on preventing disease and creating environments that promote health. This definition excludes behaviors unrelated to the environment, as well as behaviors related to the social and cultural environment and genetics.
The WHO has determined that a quarter of global diseases and 24% of deaths globally (28% of deaths among children under 5 years old) are caused by modifiable environmental factors.
Clean air, a stable climate, sufficient and adequate water, sanitation and hygiene, safe use of chemicals and medicines, safe working environments, healthy agricultural practices, cities and built environments that promote health and the conservation of nature are all prerequisites for good health.
The COVID-19 pandemic is yet another reminder of the delicate relationship between humankind and our planet.
“The ongoing erosion of natural spaces, fragmentation of forests, global warming, and animal markets are factors that bring us closer to plants and animals that carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans (zoonoses). Humanity is putting a lot of pressure on the natural world with harmful consequences.”
Ingrid Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme.
