August is National Water Quality Month. What can you do to be more aware of water quality in your life?

How to Celebrate National Water Quality Month
What can individuals and families can do to prevent water pollution from their homes especially during National Water Quality Month?

Here’s a short list of things that you can do at home to help:

  • Not using antibacterial soaps or cleaning products. Regular soap and water will do the trick. Many of the antibacterial soaps contain a registered pesticide that is known to harm marine life.
  • Not flushing unwanted or out-of-date medications down the toilet or drain.
  • Not putting anything but water down storm drains because they carry water to local waterways.
  • Fixing leaks that drop from cars and putting liners in driveways to collect oil and other materials.
  • Avoid using pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
  • Choose nontoxic household products when possible.
  • Pick up after pets.
  • Not paving properties.
  • If you have a private well make sure it is tested and cleaned regularly. There can be bacteria build up in wells.
  • Read your local water quality report so you know what the water quality is in your area.

These are just a few things you and your family can do to participate in National Water Quality Month.  Our water is our most precious resource and it is very easy to take it for granted.  We ask you to raise awareness, not only during National Water Quality Month, but all year round.

There are easily thousands of factors that can have a negative impact on the quality of your local water sources ranging from industrial pollutants like metal particulate, oils, and other chemicals to the pesticides we use in our own backyards.

For more stories on Communities Unlimited’s involvement with water quality projects, read through our story base