Simple steps can help ensure safe source for water

Consumers are being urged to take some simple steps on National Protect Your Groundwater Day, September 14, to help make sure water sources are protected.

The National Ground Water Association offers suggestions at ngwa.org/public/PYGD/pygd.aspx. To be able to prevent contamination, consumers need to be aware of common contamination sources in their households, such as cleaning products, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, etc. and learn how to dispose of them properly, according to NWGA. Proactive protection efforts are much more cost-effective than clean-up efforts. Among the association's suggestions:

Do not pour chemicals down the drain or on the ground, take to a 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 the trash

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 a full load of dishes and laundry

Water lawn and plants only as needed

Install rain barrels

In addition, WQA offers free online diagnosis tools that let consumers figure out what might be affecting the quality of their water. They are available at wqa.org. In the "Find a Water Professional" program, local certified professionals can be found for consultation. There is also a "Diagnose Your Water" button that provides information on possible problems.

About The Water Quality Association

The Water Quality Association is a not-for-profit international trade association representing the residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment industry. Its membership consists of both manufacturers as well as dealers/distributors of equipment. WQA is a resource and information source, a voice for the industry, an educator of professionals, a laboratory for product testing, and a communicator with the public. WQA has more than 2,500 members.

SOURCE: The Water Quality Association