For National Water Quality Month, we’re sharing some of our best tips for making sure your water supply is clean and safe. Besides ensuring high quality water for you and your family, there are also some things you can do to reduce your contribution to water waste and pollution.

TOP 5 TIPS FOR NATIONAL WATER QUALITY

1. MANAGE STORM WATER

You may not have ever thought about the various contaminants that get collected with water runoff, but contaminated storm water from bacteria, pesticides, chemicals, and other pollutants is the main cause of water pollution in the U.S. Whatever flows down your drain eventually finds its way into local water bodies.

Some tips for reducing pollutants in your storm water runoff include:

• Diverting downspouts toward grass, gardens, rain barrels, cisterns, and/or other containment areas.
• Consider increasing the amount of soil and other porous areas around your home.
• Sweep fertilizer, grass clippings, and other debris off your driveways and walkways and onto your lawn.
• If there is an oil or other chemical leak around your home, kitty litter or baking soda can help absorb the oil for removal.
• Maintain the area around your home by promptly cleaning up pet waste, trash, and other potential water contaminants.

2. WATCH WHAT YOU PUT DOWN THE DRAIN

Another way contaminants can find their way into the local water supply is through our drains. Many cleaning supplies and personal care items contain chemicals and toxins that can’t be treated by sewage plants.

Watch what you put down the drain:

• Prescriptions
• Motor oil
• Pool chemicals
• Insecticides
• Grease
• Harsh cleaners (view EWG’s Cleaners Hall of Shame for a list of products you should avoid)
• Click here for a list of things that you shouldn’t throw down the garbage disposal.

Take any paint, chemicals, etc. to designated collection sites in your area. Consult your NJ county recycling website for more information.

3. DON’T OVER IRRIGATE YOUR LAWN

Overwatering your lawn could create water runoff that contains fertilizers and pesticides from your soil. Try to avoid pesticides if you can and choose fertilizers that are phosphorus-free.

One way to detect moisture in the ground to override your watering system is to install rain moisture sensors. It is a fairly complicated installation, so speak with a professional about your options.

Another trick for determining if your lawn needs watering is to step on your lawn – if you see clear footprints and the grass doesn’t spring back, it’s time to water.

Use this Landscape Watering Guide to learn how much water your grass needs and how to match your irrigation system to your lawn’s needs.

4. MAINTAIN SEPTIC TANK AT LEAST EVERY 3 YEARS

When your septic tank is working properly, it will remove pollutants and disease-causing bacteria from the water. When it hasn’t been maintained and isn’t working properly, it could mean expensive repairs (or replacements) and health risks for you and your community.

Homeowners with septic tanks should be especially concerned with what goes down the drain and remember to schedule regular septic tank cleanings. Some early signs of septic tank failure include slow drains and odors from drains and sinks. Call Gold Medal Service for professional drain, sewer, and septic service.

5. CHECK WATER QUALITY AND TAKE STEPS TO IMPROVE IT

It’s not just Flint, MI that has a problem with lead in their water. NJ has been making headlines recently with its own contaminated water crises, along with other municipalities across the country.

And bottled water doesn’t seem to be any better. Remember when 14 brands of bottled water were recalled in 15 states due to an E. Coli contamination?

In fact, bottled water is even less regulated than municipal water. And some have argued that a reliance on bottled water causes apathy and disregard for the quality of municipal water systems.

Luckily, there are many water filtration options you can turn to for clean drinking water. At the most basic level, you can use a Brita filter or something similar. This will get rid of any taste residue and filter out heavy metals.

To ensure the purest water for your entire home, including the water you wash your clothes and bathe with, there is a range of water conditioners, water filtration and purification options to choose from:

• Carbon absorption filters use activated carbon to filter microscopic particles. They are inexpensive and easy to install.
• Ceramic water filters are usually directly installed underneath the sink. They are great at getting rid of chlorine and other impurities in the water.
• Reverse osmosis filters use a membrane that traps most water contaminants. This is one of the best filters you can get to remove sediment, chlorine, odors, taste, and minerals. They can either be installed under the sink or directly to your main water supply.
• Whole-home water conditioners are connected to the main water supply to provide your entire home with clean, conditioned water. This helps reduce your need for cleaning products, extend the lifespan and efficiency of your appliances, reduce water staining, increase energy efficiency, and provide huge health and beauty benefits.

Learn more about water softeners and filtration systems here.

Filtered, purified water isn’t just great for your health, home, and wallet, it’s also a boon to Mother Nature as well. Learn why Gold Medal Service prefers NOVO Water Conditioning Products.

For NJ homeowners worried about lead in their pipes or any other water quality issues, the professionals at Gold Medal Service can inspect your plumbing system for lead and replace any pipes needed.

If you are unsure of the cleanliness of your drinking water, the most effective and efficient way to purify the water is by boiling it and keep it rolling for a minute. Learn four more ways to purify water from WikiHow.

Company: Gold Medal Service
www.GoldMedalService.com

About Gold Medal Service:

With generations of experience delivering the highest quality service available to over 100,000 customers, Gold Medal Service has become a leader in the industry with its A+ rating with the BBB. Gold Medal Service is the trusted and reliable provider for plumbing, heating, cooling, electric, and drain & sewer cleaning services in New Jersey.