PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCES

 

PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCES

Communities, citizen groups, and individuals can take an active role in protecting their drinking water sources from contamination.

Your drinking water utility includes information about the drinking water source.

Take Everyday Actions:-

Ø Use and Dispose of Harmful Materials Properly

Don't pour hazardous waste down the drain, on the ground, or into storm sewers. This could contaminate the soil, groundwater, or nearby surface water.

A number of products used at home contain hazardous or toxic substances that can contaminate ground or surface waters, such as:

• Motor oil
• Pesticides
• Leftover paints or paint cans
• Mothballs
• Flea collars
• Household cleaners
• A number of medicines

 

 

 

Ø Think Twice about Lawn and Garden Chemicals

Limit the use of pesticides or fertilizers, and always follow the label directions. Many fertilizers and pesticides contain harmful chemicals which can travel through the soil and contaminate groundwater or run off in stormwater to rivers, streams, and lakes. 

Ø Properly Maintain Your Septic System

Groundwater can be contaminated by poorly or untreated household wastewater, which poses dangers to drinking water and to the environment. Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals to local aquifers and waterways. The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year.

Ø Dispose of Your Medications Properly

In homes that use septic tanks, prescription and over-the-counter drugs flushed down the toilet can leach into the ground and seep into groundwater. In cities and towns where residences are connected to wastewater drugs poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet can pass through the treatment system and enter rivers and lakes. These water sources may flow downstream to community drinking water supplies. Water treatment plants are generally not equipped to routinely remove medicines.

 

Water is a shared resource. You can work within your community, watershed, or neighborhood to protect your drinking water.