This month honors something very important in our lives – water quality. It’s National Water Quality Month, so it’s a good time to understand where your source water comes from so you can successfully protect its quality.

Water that goes into your home comes from one of two places – either it comes from surface water (lakes, rivers, reservoirs) or from groundwater. It’s important to know your water source because protecting it from contamination like pollution and trash can help the quality of water that comes into your home.

Here are some ways you can protect your source water which will protect your water quality. The following suggestions are from Earth Gauge:
    •    Don’t over-water your lawn. Over-watering can increase the flow of fertilizers deep into soils and eventually groundwater supplies, which are an important drinking water source. Walk on your lawn to find out if it is thirsty – if your footprints remain, it is time to water.
    •    Wait for dry weather. Check the forecast before applying fertilizers, pesticides and other lawn care chemicals.
    •    Pick up trash and pet waste. Make sure your trash always goes in the trash can or recycle bin. Put pet waste in the trash or flush it down the toilet. When walking your dog, try to stay away from streams and other waterways. Walk your pet in grassy areas instead.
    •    Use rain barrels. Rain barrels are a great way to catch rain water off running off of your roof. Instead of flowing to the storm drain, the water collected can be used to water garden plants or wash windows and cars. Be sure to check local regulations before installing a rain barrel – some areas have laws that prohibit them.

Visit Drinktap's water quality page for more information on this topic.