It’s National Protect Your Ground Water Day – Are You Ready?
All of us require safe drinking water every day of our lives. It is important to make our water supply the focus of our attention. September 14th is National Protect Your Groundwater Day; we all can do a few simple things to ensure safe drinking water not only for ourselves but for generations to come.
Groundwater is water that flows beneath the surface through small openings in the rocks and soil. The majority of available fresh water is groundwater. In many places nearly half of all water used in public water systems comes from groundwater. Groundwater is naturally replenished by rainfall, streambeds and run off. The water moves down into the ground until it reaches a depth where the ground is filled, or saturated with water. Groundwater is stored in the ground in gravel or sand and other similar materials. It’s a bit like the earth is a big sponge holding a lot of water.
Most groundwater is clean, but it can become polluted or contaminated. Pollution from leaking underground tanks, leaky landfills, or excess fertilizer or pesticides are just a few of the more common types of groundwater pollution. There are also more personal types of contamination that everyone should be aware of. Consumers need to be aware that inappropriately disposing of household cleaning products, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals can contribute to contamination of groundwater just as much as leaky tanks and landfills.
There are several things we can all do to protect our water supplies. We need to be sure that no chemicals are poured down the drain or on the ground outside. Instead take these items to a hazardous waste collection location and dispose of them there. Also take used motor oil to a recycling center. All medications and personal care items should be mixed with coffee grounds and placed in the trash not flushed down the toilet. These few simple steps are things we can do every day to help ensure safe, clean, unpolluted water.
Along with clean, safe groundwater, we should also be aware of conservation of water. There are a few simple habits we can begin to have that will conserve a lot of water. We can remember to shut off the water while we brush our teeth, take shorter showers, make sure the dishwasher and washer are full before running them, and water our lawns and plants only as needed. Choosing high efficiency appliances guarantees that not only our water usage will be decreased, but generally our electric bill as well. Even choosing Portable Exchange Tank Service if you have a water softener in your home can make a difference. Every one of these habits will save a tremendous amount of water.
On September 14 you can start forming a good habit – begin doing your part for protecting one of our most important natural resources–groundwater. Your friends at Pacific Coast Water Systems of Fullerton will be observing this very important day of action – join us and make your household water wise.
