GEORGETOWN — As a part of the first-ever Source Water Protection Week, Utility Director Marlene Ladderbush and the Georgetown Water Department would like to share tips to help conserve and protect water sources in town.
Source Water Protection Week, organized by the American Water Works Association, began Sunday, Sept. 26 and ends on Saturday, Oct. 2. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of taking measures to care for local drinking water sources.
Source waters include rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, springs and groundwater that provide water to public drinking supplies and private wells.
“Water is a precious resource, and the following are steps that community members can take to positively impact our local sources. Healthy water supplies contribute to the overall well-being of communities, and we hope residents join us in practicing these safe habits,” said Director Ladderbush.
In an effort to protect local water sources, the Georgetown Water Department wishes to share the following tips with residents:
- Do not use antibacterial soaps or cleaning products. Most contain trichlosan, a registered pesticide that has been found to harm aquatic life. The American Medical Association warns that use of antibacterial agents may lead to antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.” Regular soap and water kill germs effectively.
- Never flush unwanted or out-of-date medicines down the toilet or the drain.
- Don’t put anything down storm drains except water. Drains carry stormwater to local waterways. Used motor oil, detergents, lawn fertilizers, pesticides and other contaminants can get carried by stormwater to local waterways and cause unnecessary harm.
- If your car is leaking, fix the drip. Consider putting down a liner in your driveway to collect oil and other materials. Leaks and drips contribute to stormwater pollution.
- Avoid using pesticides or chemical fertilizers. They pose a serious threat to health and safety and pollute both ground and surface water.
- Choose non-toxic household products whenever possible. The best way to keep from polluting is to use products that are not dangerous to the environment.
- Pick up after your pets. Pet waste can run down storm drains and spread bacteria.
- Avoid paving your property. Rainwater runs off pavement into storm drains. As a result, rainwater may pick up pollutants and flood the area. Allowing water to soak into the ground can prevent flooding, recharge groundwater supplies and dilute contaminants. Additionally, planting native plants that do not require a lot of water helps protect water supplies.
- Spread the word and be a water advocate. Talk to your neighbors about how they can help too, and work with your local elected officials to ensure that pesticides, antibacterial and other toxic chemicals are not used at schools, local parks or other public areas.
- Keep informed. Make sure you receive your annual drinking water quality report, also known as a Consumer Confidence Report. Residents who pay a water bill directly should receive it automatically by July of each year. Yearly CCR’s are filed on the department’s website. Remember this year’s report is for the previous year.
For more information about the Georgetown Water Department, please visit the department’s website here.
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