Maybe the quality of your water is not something you think about regularly. Now is a great time to get familiar with it since August is Water Quality Month. In recognition of this important month, here are simple steps to take to make a big impact on your community's water quality.

An easy way you can learn about your water is through your water provider’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). These are documents your water provider produces and sends to you annually to report on your water quality. Contact your local water utility for any questions you may have about your CCR or your water quality.

It is important to only flush the three Ps (and pills is not one of them). Flushing other items could contaminate the wastewater system, causing downstream water quality issues, or it could create major plumbing issues, including broken pipes.

You can also limit what goes down the storm runoff drain.

• Sweep paved areas around your house, rather than hosing them down.
• Clean any oil leaks or spills with either kitty litter or baking soda, then dispose that in the trash.
• Dispose of pet waste as soon as possible.
• Keep your gutters and sidewalks clean so any debris does not get washed into the storm drain.
• Dispose any paint, pesticides, cleaners, chemicals and other items at your local hazardous waste site.

Some landscaping pesticides and fertilizers are harmful to the water supply. When choosing your landscaping products, it is important to choose phosphorous-free products. It is also important not to overwater your lawn since that can cause run off of fertilizers and pesticides into the water supply.

When it comes to water quality, there’s a lot you can do to protect the health of your family and those in your community.