How to Protect Water Resources

Our water sources are constantly at risk of contamination from events that occur naturally and from human pollution. Local and national government committees and organizations formulate policies to reduce water contamination, and there are many water treatment programs in place. We, as individuals, can take many steps in our private lives to protect our water resources. Look for opportunities to get involved with water protection activities in your area, and implement recycling programs in your personal life.

Instructions

• 1

  Educate yourself about water resource protection. Read the "Consumer Confidence Report," which comes out annually. Learn about threats to your local water sources by reading the Source Water Assessment issued by your state. Familiarize yourself with the Clean Water Act and find out the standards for the water quality of your drinking water source.

• 2

  Get involved with water protection activities where you live. Go to public meetings about town planning and new construction. Ask questions about how these issues affect your water sources, specifically about plans to prevent water contamination. Participate in local activities that monitor water contaminants.

• 3

  Avoid contaminating water sources in your own personal life. Don't use pesticides or fertilizer on your lawn and garden. Travel on public transportation instead of in your own car whenever possible, since the carbon dioxide emissions eventually end up in our water sources. Recycle and reuse plastic, aluminum, glass and motor oil to keep the toxic spill-off from these items out of the water supply.

• 4

  Avoid waste by buying products made with long-lasting, durable materials. Purchase products with the least or no packaging. Conserve water and energy in your own life by closing the faucet and turning off the lights whenever they're not needed. Save trees and paper by printing on both sides of the paper, and use email instead of paper when possible.