How are you celebrating Water Quality Month?
August 19, 2017August is National Water Quality Month, a time to celebrate — and appreciate — the role that clean, drinkable water plays in our lives.
We’ve compiled a list of 9 things that you can do show your appreciation for, and commitment to, clean water. But don’t just do them this month: Every month should be Water Quality Month!
- Skip soaps and other cleaners labeled “antibacterial.” They contain chemicals that,
Teach children about the water cycle. Click on this image for a larger version. Image courtesy USGS.
among other things, are known to disrupt hormones. In fact, the FDA banned one chemical, triclosan, from use in soaps — but it still shows up in other products, including personal care products and home cleaning solutions. - Dispose of unwanted and unused medications properly, not by flushing them down the drain.
- Eliminate or reduce your use of fertilizers in the lawn and garden, and swap out pesticides for natural options.
- Pick up after your pets so that their waste doesn’t get carried into waterways and storm drains.
- Make sure that only water is going down storm drains: oil, antifreeze and other chemicals will go straight into waterways. (this also means you should ensure any leaks in your vehicle are fixed).
- Wash your car at the car wash, not in the driveway, where dirt and chemicals can also go into the storm drain.
- Organize a clean-up event: Gather a group and volunteer to clean up along a spring, stream, creek, pond or lake.
- Don’t litter. This includes cigarette butts, which cause multiple problems when they get into the water system.
- Teach children about the water cycle. Every drop of water we see has been here before!