Wastewater Treatment and My Role in Water Consumption/Pollution

From a quick search for my closest wastewater treatment plant, I found out that my own personal wastewater most probably is processed at The Owl’s Head Wastewater Treatment Plant. From this search, I’ve learned that the plant has been in operation since 1952 and treats upwards of 120 million gallons of wastewater. Presumably, I am a part of the over 700,000 New Yorkers the plant serves. Interestingly enough, I also found some angry reviews and complaints about the notorious odor the plant plagues throughout the neighborhood, to which there have been efforts to reduce these process odors through operational upgrades and reconstruction.

In regards to my own personal consumption and usage of water, I admittedly take for granted my easy and seemingly unlimited access to water. My showers are long, I leave the sink on when I brush my teeth, and don’t make as great of use of my reusable/refillable water bottles as I could. I definitely contribute to the ongoing plight of water consumption which indirectly contributes to the pollution of our limited sources of water. I know many share this mindset of being just one individual, and that my own personal actions won’t cause much of a difference, but of course that is not the case. I 100% need to be more conscious and wary of my own water consumption and how I contribute to water pollution whether it be through the use of plastics that may end up on the streets and washed away into our waters. One small change is still impactful.