Protecting Drinking Water in the Summer: Source Water Tips for the Summer!听
As summer temperatures rise, so does our water usage 鈥� from watering gardens and lawns to splashing in backyard pools. While enjoying all that the season offers, it is important to remember that our actions can directly impact the safety and quality of our drinking water. The hot weather can increase the risk of contamination, especially near lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers that supply our drinking water.听
Here are a few simple but impactful tips to help protect drinking water sources during the summer months.
- Be Smart About Lawn Care
A green lawn shouldn't come at the cost of clean water. Over-applying fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides can lead to them running off during summer rains and entering nearby waterways or soaking into the ground, potentially contaminating local wells or municipal water sources.听
Tips:听
- Use natural or slow-release fertilizers.听
- Avoid applying lawn chemicals before heavy rain is expected.听
- Leave grass clippings on your lawn to naturally fertilize.听
- Choose native plants and grasses that require less water and fewer chemicals.听
- Store Chemicals Safely
From garage cleaners to pool chemicals, many of us keep potentially harmful substances around the home 鈥� especially in the summer. Improper storage can lead to spills and leaks seeping into the ground and reaching water supplies.
Tips:听
- Store fuels, oils, and solvents in labeled, sealed containers away from floor drains and out of direct sunlight.听
- Keep chemicals off concrete or unprotected soil where they can easily leach into the ground.听
- Dispose of old or unused chemicals at your local hazardous waste collection centre 鈥� never pour them down the drain or on the ground.听
- Keep Cottage Septic Systems Healthy
If you're heading to the cottage, your septic system needs some attention. Septic systems that are failing or poorly maintained can leak bacteria, viruses, and nutrients into nearby lakes, rivers, and groundwater.听
Tips:听
- Have your septic tank pumped every 3鈥�5 years (or more often depending on use).听
- Keep trees and heavy vehicles off your septic bed.听
- Handle Boat Fuel With Care
Summer boating is a Canadian favourite, but improper fuel handling can have serious consequences for our water.听
Tips:听
- Refuel boats away from the water when possible, or use spill pads and drip trays when refuelling on the water.听
- Don't top off the tank 鈥� leave room for fuel expansion.听
- Regularly inspect fuel lines and tanks for leaks.听
- Keep a spill kit on board.听
Our drinking water sources, whether lakes, rivers, or aquifers, are vulnerable to contamination from daily activities. By being mindful of how we care for our homes, lawns, and recreational spaces during the summer, we can all help ensure our water stays clean and safe now and for generations to come.听
For more information about how to protect drinking water sources, please visit the .
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