August ushers in National Water Quality Month, a recognition dating back to the 1970s. In 1972, the Clean Water Act was passed, which made dumping high amounts of toxic materials into bodies of water illegal. To protect public water systems further, the Safe Drinking Water Act was passed in 1974. These congressional acts led to the National Water Quality Month being founded in 2005 to promote civic discourse about how to conserve water.
Earth’s surface is 70% water, but only 3% of the water supply is freshwater and merely 1% of this is easily accessible. Lakes, rivers, streams and aquifers make up this 1% of water that we use for consumption. There are four major sources of freshwater pollution, which this month seeks to address. Dumping industrial waste is a damaging practice where factories don’t uphold strict disposal policies. Another source is agricultural runoff where fertilizer from commercial farms create excessive algae that suffocates aquatic life. Leakage of untreated waste from sewage systems without regular maintenance is the third major source. Lastly, products used at home such as pesticides pose a threat of contamination to bodies of water.
Toho Water Authority (Toho) seeks to remind you that clean water is essential to our health, our agricultural needs, the needs of our planet and should never be taken for granted. This month is dedicated to getting the most out of our limited water supply. Here are some ways that you can help preserve and protect our waterways.
How you can help:
- Pick up after your pet - Waste left by your animals contains nitrogen, which can remove oxygen from water, leaving it uninhabitable for wildlife. Remember to bring bags to clean up after your pet.
- Use car washes - Although washing your car at home may cost less, it causes chemicals used in the washing to go down storm drains which then empty into lakes, rivers, streams and oceans. You can avoid this by going to a car wash where the water is required to drain into sewer systems to be treated.
- Do not flush medication - If you have unwanted or expired medication, dispose of them in the trash or to a local take back program for medication. There are toxic chemicals in these products that should not enter the water system.
- Use a broom on your driveway - Even though a hose may be easier, use a broom to clean your driveway in order to not waste water.
- Do not use phosphorus fertilizer - These chemicals can leak into nearby bodies of water. Try organic materials or waiting for dry weather if you absolutely need to use lawn care products.
How the community can help:
- Organize cleanups
- Plant trees to prevent erosion
- Monitor water quality
- Adopt a watershed
- Report water leaks and sewer spills
Toho also encourages discovering the source of your drinking water. Important information about the source and quality of your drinking water can be found at www.tohowaterqualityreports.com. For more information about water quality, please visit https://nationalwaterqualitymonth.org/.
