- Jessica M.
- Thursday, August 25, 2022
This August during National Water Quality Awareness Month, it’s more imperative than ever for us to be mindful of how we utilize one of our most precious resources: water. Having access to clean, reliable water at all times is a justified concern evident by how much we use it in our every-day lives; we use it to clean our teeth with, bathe in, and to wash the dishes. Although Earth’s surface area is made up of 70% water, only around 3% is freshwater and only 1% of that is accessible water (think lakes, streams, rivers, etc.). In 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) founded National Water Quality Awareness month in order to generate community conversations about water preservation. Unfortunately, many people across our country and worldwide continue to experience a lack of safe, consumable water.
In the early 1970s, to address water pollution, the United States passed two laws. The Clean Water Act (1972), the first federal law enacted to ensure the protection of our water sources, made it illegal to dump high amounts of toxic materials into bodies of water. Toxic materials include, but are not limited to: lead, chlorine, pathogens, radioactive materials, and pharmaceuticals. The second act, the Safe Drinking Water Act (1974), protected the quality of groundwater and public water systems. Some sources of water pollution include: fertilizer runoff from farms, sewage leaks, and improper disposal of medicine. The EPA has also done their part by placing federal regulations on public water suppliers. This makes our public water suppliers responsible for monitoring more than 100 contaminants that can taint our water supply.
5 Easy Things You Can Do to Protect Your Water:
1.) Pick Up After Your Pet
Be that gracious neighbor who picks up after their dog. Harmful organisms like salmonella and e. coli flourish in animal waste and if left unchecked, could make their way into our waterways by way of rainfall. Not only that, but picking up after your pet prevents the nitrogen present in their waste from seeping into the ground and sapping the water's oxygen (something aquatic animals and underwater plants need to thrive).
2.) Use the Car Wash
Resist the urge to DIY. Instead, head to the car wash! Washing your car at home might be the easier and cheaper option, but it creates a problem for our waterways when the toxic chemicals hosed down from the driveway makes it's way into the storm drains. Ever wondered where all that water goes? It goes straight into our lakes, rivers and oceans. But if you go to the car wash, all that water will be swept into our sewer systems and re-circulated once treated.
3.) Organize a Community Clean Up
This one requires you to go out and socialize, but it's a great way to do two things at once: meet new people AND clean up your community. With five or more people, (a few hefty bags or grocery store bags will suffice), you'll be surprised what an hour of clean-up can do. The best place to start is around your local lakes and rivers, but if you want a challenge beach clean-ups can be fun too!
4.) Properly Dispose of Medications
You open your kitchen cabinet and SURPRISE, a mini-pharmacy has slowly invaded your space. To make matters worse, most are expired liquid medications, which take longer to pour down the drain. A better way to get rid of them is to throw them straight into the trash can. These medications, along with antibacterial household cleaners, detergents, and bug repellants, are especially harmful for our waterways because of their toxic chemicals.
5.) Refrain from Using Fertilizer Made with Phosphorus
If you have a green thumb, keep on sowing! But be mindful which fertilizer you use when transforming your landscape into colorful, lush greenery. Although fertilizers with phosphorus are beneficial for plants, they can also cause damage to our water supply. These chemicals can ruin surface water quality.
With these small steps, we are one step closer to ensuring the conservation of our water for generations to come.
References:
https://www.doitbest.com/resources/articles-and-buying-guides/articles/national-water-quality-month
https://www.npca.org/articles/98-focus-on-water-celebrating-national-water-quality-month
https://nationalwaterqualitymonth.org/#:~:text=August%20is%20National%20Water%20Quality,the%20needs%20of%20our%20environment.