Keeping Our Drinking Water Sources Clean

There is a growing concern about the state of our drinking water sources. The public is loosing confidence in the quality of municipal drinking water and as a result, sales of bottled water have soared. Instead of substituting tap water with the more expensive bottled water, we need to visit the reason why our drinking water quality sources are deteriorating.

As a nation, we depend heavily on the availability of clean and safe drinking water. Over the past few decades, the emphasis has been on developing new and better techniques for treating contaminated water. As a nation, we have now become more conscious of our role as stewards of the environment and we recognize the need to do more in protecting our water sources. Every time we wash a car with detergents, use herbicides to get rid of unsightly weeds, or use pesticides to ensure a bounty back yard vegetable harvest, we are inadvertently introducing chemicals into our local watershed.

This kind of pollution that comes from us is a form of nonpoint source pollution. Nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of why our nation’s water quality remains a problem. This type of pollution does not come from a single point like “point source” pollution. Unlike point source pollution, which comes from well-defined sources, nonpoint source pollution comes from many sources and cannot be easily quantified. Nonpoint source pollution does not show up overnight but takes years to make an impact.

Controlling Urban Runoff

Sediments are the most notorious polluter. Sediments are soil particles carried by water runoff from bare land, construction and development sites and suburban lawns. Once the soil particles are in the water, they block out the sunlight that bottom dwelling plants and organisms need for survival. Sediments can also clog the gills of aquatic life, effectively destroying both organisms and habitat. Watch for erosion occurring on your lawn. Where there is a problem plant groundcover or grass sod to stabilize the soil.

Nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen from fertilizer and animal wastes make up most of the nutrient pollutants. Excessive nutrients in waterways lead to a condition known as eutrophication- the overproduction of organic matter. The excessive organic matter blocks out sunlight, killing bottom dwelling plants and organisms. Eutrophication can ultimately result in threats to human health. Apply lawn chemicals, pesticides and herbicides sparingly following manufacturers directions carefully. Better yet, opt for biodegradable products. Keep litter, animal wastes, and vegetation out of street gutters and storm drains.

Toxins are substances that can harm the health of aquatic life. Toxins that originate from urban runoff include inorganic and organic chemicals, metals, pesticides, formaldehyde, household chemicals, gasoline, motor oil, battery acid and roadway salt. These toxins wash off your property into waterways either directly or via storm drains. To avoid this runoff, check your vehicle for fluid leaks regularly. Do not hose the fluids off your driveway into storm drains; clean them up properly. Recycle or properly dispose antifreeze, paints, used oil and household chemicals. Most communities have centers where hazardous household wastes can be disposed of.

Pathogens are disease causing micro-organisms that are present in human and animal wastes. Pathogens can enter waterways via untreated sewage, septic tanks and storm drains. Make sure your septic system is properly located, constructed and installed. An improperly constructed, inefficient or mislocated septic system can cause sewage to drain into nearby waterways polluting ground water and causing possible public health concerns. A well-maintained sewage system needs to be inspected yearly and pumped every 3-5 years. Avoid putting excessive amount of toxics (household cleaners, grease, and paints) as these causes a severe disruption to the system. A failing septic system can contaminate ground water and nearby waterways through introduction of bacteria and pathogens.

Community Action

Get involved in community organizations that support programs that educate and raise public awareness as to the importance of protecting water quality and reducing nonpoint source pollution.

It is our responsibility as good citizens to ensure the quality of water for future generations by containing pollution at the source. We can all make an effort to curb nonpoint source pollution by recognizing and eliminating activities that lead to pollution.