PROTECT YOUR GROUNDWATER DAY

The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) will launch its first annual Protect Your Groundwater Day on September 14, 2010. This day will focus on preventing contamination and water conservation as ways to protect groundwater resources.

To be able to prevent contamination you need to be aware of common contamination sources in your household such as cleaning products, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, etc. and learn how to dispose of them properly. Proactive protection efforts are much more cost-effective than clean-up efforts. Here is what you can do:


Dispose of potential pollutants properly:
• Do not pour chemicals down the drain or on the ground, take to hazardous waste collection
• Take used motor oil to a recycling center
• Do not flush medications or personal care items down the toilet, mix with   coffee grounds and put in trash

To be a responsible water steward, here are a few simple things you can do every day:

• Check for leaky faucets and have them fixed
• Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator
• Shut off the water while brushing your teeth
• Take shorter showers
• Run full load of dishes and laundry
• Water lawn and plants only as needed
• Install rain barrels


Make September 14, 2010 a day to remember—the day you took charge of protecting and conserving our precious resource—groundwater!

What will you do to protect and conserve groundwater today and every day?