WATER


Clean drinking water is a luxury we often take for granted. Yet, despite
the most advanced sanitation and purification equipment, some seemingly
harmless everyday practices can contaminate our water supply. Here are a
few ways to be more careful:

1.) Avoid using chemical pesticides and fertilizers in your lawn or
garden, which can be washed out by rain (known as runoff) and end up in
nearby lakes and streams. If you do use chemicals, use the minimum
amount needed.

2.) Use porous materials (such as wood, brick, and gravel) for decks,
patios, and walkways. Unlike concrete, these materials soak up rain and
help reduce runoff.

3.) Seek natural alternatives to cleaning products that contain toxic
chemicals. If you buy commercial cleaning  products, purchase those
labeled "biodegradable" or "non-toxic." Avoid products containing
chlorine bleach.

4.) Dispose of toxic waste properly. For example:
   * Never pour motor oil, antifreeze, solvents, paint thinners, or
other chemicals on the ground, into sewers, or down the drain.
   * Use mercury-free or rechargeable batteries.
   * Never pour unused medicines down the sink or toilet.

Ask your local government about recycling and disposal programs for
toxic waste. Also, think ahead before purchasing toxic materials so you
can avoid having to dispose of the leftovers.

5.) Incorporate water-efficient plumbing, appliances, and practices in
your home. If you own a septic system, maintain it properly-septic
system failures are a major source of groundwater pollution and can
cause waterborne illnesses.

6.) Buy organic food whenever possible. Agriculture is the single
biggest source of water pollution, but organic food crops are grown
without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

7.) Volunteer with a community organization that monitors your watershed
or participates in waterfront clean-up projects.

Now that you know how to protect your water supply, you should also know
how to be sure the drinking water coming out of your faucet is safe. If
you are connected to a public water supply, you have the legal right to
request a yearly water quality report describing the source of the
water, which contaminants are tested, and how the water is treated to
reduce or eliminate these contaminants.

If you use well water or are connected to a private water supply, it is
your responsibility to have your water tested regularly. If you have
small children, test your water-regardless of the source-for lead, a
contaminant that can cause neurological problems. Lead is present in
some household plumbing and can contaminate your water even if the water
supply is clean.

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For related information, see these pages:

DRINKING WATER AND HEALTH
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwhealth.html

WHAT'S IN THE WATER
http://www.waterqualityreports.org/factsheets.html

WATER WHERE YOU LIVE
http://www.epa.gov/ow/states.html

LOCATE YOUR LOCAL WATER UTILITY
http://www.ucsusa.org/awwa.html

YOUR ACTIONS CAN HELP PROTECT OUR DRINKING WATER
http://soilcrop.tamu.edu/publications/pubs/e103.pdf

HOW EXCESSIVE WATER USE AFFECTS WATER QUALITY
http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/stewards/P026.pdf

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM
http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/wye/personel/Miller/septic.html

PRIVATE DRINKING WATER WELLS
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/pwells1.html

Sharon West

littleelf12000@yahoo.com

Avalon's Rising