Protecting Our Water
"WATER: nothing works without it." Groundwater is available in limited quantities, so let's protect it.
Contaminated groundwater is very difficult and expensive to clean up. Solutions exist, but they're never easy. The best approach is pollution prevention and conservation, protecting supplies before they're contaminated or depleted.
Pollution prevention
Many steps are being taken to keep contaminants out of our groundwater. Manufacturers use fewer toxic raw materials; consumers have switched to less-polluting household products; and the regulations in the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Reg. 903 (see groundwater regulations) protect drinking water supplies at the source.
Conservation
Groundwater is vital to all of us, and conserving it is essential. By simply reducing the amount of water we use, the supply lasts longer.
Top 10 ways to protect and conserve groundwater
- Dispose of chemicals properly.
- Take used motor oil to a recycling centre.
- Limit the amount of fertilizer used on plants.
- Take short showers.
- Shut water off while brushing teeth.
- Run full loads of dishes and laundry.
- Check for leaky faucets and have them fixed.
- Abandon all wells that are no longer needed. We can help.
- Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator.
- Get involved in water education.