Water pollution is a global challenge that undermining economic growth, as well as the socio-environmental sustainability and health of billions of people. Attention, worldwide, is focused mainly on water quantity, use efficiency and distribution issues. However, it seems that poor management of agricultural sewage has created serious problems in water quality in many parts of the world, exacerbating the water crisis (Biswas et al., 2012). Water scarcity seems to be caused by natural causes of water scarcity, but also by the gradual deterioration of water quality, reducing the amount that is safe to use. This progressive degradation of water quality gradually reduces the amount of water that is safe to use.
Human settlements, industries and agriculture are the main causes of water pollution, with industrial agriculture taking the lead, as it is one of the main causes of water pollution (nitrates from agriculture are the most common chemical pollution in groundwater aquifers) (WWAP, 2013). Globally, 80% of urban wastewater is discharged into the untreated environment (Sato et al., 2013; Mateo-Sagasta et al., 2015; WWAP, 2017) and irrigation produces the largest volume of wastewater. Consequently, agriculture remains a major source of water pollution and is responsible for the disposal of large amounts of agrochemicals, organic matter, drug residues, sediments and drainage of saline water (Doetterl et al., 2012; Boxall, Argü 2012; Cañleso-Arg al., 2013; Sutton et al., 2013; Wen et al., 2017). The resulting water pollution poses proven risks to both the aquatic ecosystem and human health (UNEP, 2016).
One solution to reduce water pollution is organic farming, which works to protect against water contamination, using practices that retain and recycle nutrients in the agricultural system and minimize water flows to unused fields. Such practices are most effective and sustainable when applied as part of an integrated approach.
In addition, composting organic materials used in organic farming can provide a more evenly distributed source of nutrients and organic matter, which is less likely to pose biosecurity risks than fresh manure (Bellows, 2002).
Finally, avoiding the use of pesticides in order to increase productivity, makes organic farming one of the most important practices in tackling water pollution. As, according to the International Federation of Organic Farming Movements (IFOAM), organic farming is a system of agricultural production, which is ecologically, socially and economically viable and promotes safe production, minimizing the burden on the environment and use non-renewable natural resources. It is an agricultural management system which emphasizes the balance of ecosystems and, at the same time, offers safer and more "authentic" products to consumers (greenpeace.gr).
By choosing organic foods we protect our health and the environment!