World Water Day

Tomorrow, March 22, is World Water Day. Be thankful that you have access to relatively clean (?) water! It is so appalling that there are people in the world without access to clean water.

Here are some tips for maintaining water quality, courtesy of the WWD site.

• Sweep, don’t hose down, driveways, sidewalks, gutters, and patios.
• Direct rainwater to lawns and gardens or rainwater catchment.
• Pick up after your pet. Pet waste is raw sewage.
• Store and dispose of household chemicals properly. Take paints, solvents, cleaners, and pesticides to household hazardous collection sites where available.
• Check cars for fluid leaks and recycle motor oil. Find a “green” car wash that recycles wastewater and avoid hosing down cars in driveways and on streets.
• Don’t flush garbage down the toilet.
• Never pour anything down the storm drains and don’t litter! Everything you see on the streets can be carried into our waterways.
• On lawn and garden areas, use fertilizers sparingly and avoid harmful pesticides.
• Compost, don’t trash, yard and garden clippings.
• Weigh in on city planning! Vote for ordinances and plans that require “Low Impact Development” strategies for new growth and protect natural areas.
• Volunteer for restoration organizations and activities and help educate the community on water quality solutions.