Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate a water body, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic. Learn about the major sources, types, and impacts of water pollution and what you can do to help. Water pollution (or aquatic pollution ) is the contamination of water bodies, with a negative impact on their uses. [1]: 6 It is usually a result of human activities. Water bodies include lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers, reservoirs and groundwater. Water pollution results when contaminants mix with these water bodies. Water Pollution has emerged as a significant environmental challenge worldwide. It threatens public health, agriculture, and overall water security. This article aims to study water pollution in detail, including its meaning, major causes, sources, consequences, control measures, and other related aspects. Controlling Pollution There are a number of methods for controlling water pollution . Some include pollution prevention and others focus on cleaning up pollution . A commonly deployed method of preventing pollution is water treatment. Cities and municipalities treat wastewater to prevent pollution and to protect public health.