August is National Water Quality Month, making it a perfect time to review your district’s most recent Water Quality Report (also known as Consumer Confidence Report / CCR), which can be found here and on the Public Documents page. This is also an ideal time to revisit your household water practices and how they can be affecting your water quality.
Imagine life without easy access to clean water: no pools, clean lakes, or rivers for recreation, no long showers, no drinking water from the tap, and no running water at home. Our lives would be completely different, and not for the better.
National Water Quality Month reminds us of the importance of water sources for humans and ecosystems and highlights how human practices can harm these vital resources.
What causes poor water quality?
Dumping toxic chemicals
Agricultural runoff
Leakage of untreated waste
Products and chemicals used at home
Bleach
Ammonia
Pesticides / Fertilizers
Automotive fluids
While your Municipal district closely monitors its water infrastructure to ensure that residents are receiving high quality water, there are also quite a few things you can do at home to maintain your water quality.
What can your household do to improve and maintain your water quality?
Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products, that do not contain any of the harmful chemicals listed above
Follow proper disposal practices
Reduce fertilization
Attend public hearings on water quality standards
After a big storm, clean the debris from your storm drains and curbs to prevent it from entering our waterways
Participate in programs that monitor local rivers, lakes, and other water sources.
Dispose of medications properly (not down the sink or toilet)
Learn more here