National Water Quality Month in August reminds us that it takes much more than just turning on the tap to guarantee clean, drinkable water. Depending on where we live, the amount of water, usage, population and treatment facilities available vary. Protecting our water resources and educating ourselves about water quality is an important goal of National Water Quality Month.
Two US congressional acts were passed in the early 1970s in an effort to protect our water sources – the Clean Water Act passed in 1972, and the Safe Drinking Water Act passed in 1974. These enabled the federal government to take steps to curb water pollution by making it illegal to dump high amounts of toxic materials into bodies of water and set the standard for making sure that surface water was up to certain standards before being used for human consumption and recreation. The Safe Drinking Water Act was passed to further protect the quality of groundwater and public water systems.
In recognition of the goals of this month, here are 7 things you can do at home to protect our water:
1. Wash your car at a car wash: While it costs more than washing your car at home, taking your car to a car wash saves water and prevents toxic chemicals from being flushed down your storm drains that eventually empty into our lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans. Professional car washes are legally required to drain into sewer systems so that the water can be treated before being re-used.
2. Pick up after your pet: Animal waste is full of nitrogen which can remove oxygen from the water leaving it completely unusable for aquatic life.
3. Don’t hose down your driveway, use a broom.
4. Don’t use fertilizer made with phosphorus: After heavy rainfall or watering, these chemicals can leak into nearby groundwater sources. Try using organic materials or waiting for drier weather if you absolutely need to use lawn care products.
5. Don’t flush expired or unwanted medication down the toilet: These products have toxic chemicals that should not be flushed down the drain. Here’s a list of locations where you can drop off medications for safe disposal.
6. Learn how to properly dispose of leftover paint: Even house paint thrown in the trash can impact local water.
7. Take used oil or antifreeze to a service station or recycling center.