Mate, your story sounded like the typical backpacker drama! I've been there (well not exactly there).
Also, it's sad that people don't realise the impact of dumping waste straight into waterways. I've seen that too many times in Latin America. It's in my top 3 reasons of things I don't like about living over here.
Yeah it's the typical struggle, but that is also part of the adventure :D
I fear it will take many years until the awareness is raised in these countries :(