How can I protect groundwater?
Community Toolkit
Though groundwater is somewhat protected since it is located underground it is vulnerable to contamination. Pollutants can seep through the soil and contaminate groundwater years after being deposited on the surface.
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 used motor oil to a recycling center
- Do not flush medications or personal care items down the toilet
Keep the storm drains clean:
- Sweep grass clipping, fertilizers and leaves from driveways, sidewalks and streets
- Don’t over fertilize
- Install a rain garden
Be conscious of the water you use and conserve whenever possible:
- 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
Reduce, reuse and recycle
- Water is required to produce things, the more you do the 3 Rs the less water used!
More:
Top Ten Ways to Conserve and Protect Groundwater
Back to Let’s Keep It Clean
The water we have on Earth today is the same water the dinosaurs had and the same water that future generations will have.
Anything poured on the ground or down the drain today can end up in your drinking water in the future.
