August is National Water Quality Month and reminds us that water is the ultimate resource that needs to be protected. Access to clean water should be a given, especially in developed nations like the United States, and in many places around the world, water is not so easily accessible. It is important to consider this in our everyday life, and ensure we are doing our part to both conserve water and keep our sources of water as high-quality as possible. Daily activities like construction, agriculture, and runoff from our home landscape can contribute to the high nutrient concentration issue of nitrogen and phosphorous.
We at KCI do our part protect these water sources during and after construction activities. Our clients hire us to report and consult on any pollutant generating activities that could get in to our waterways through stormwater. We can recommend the best management practices to reduce sediment and other pollutants from getting in through our inlets, sensitive areas, and water ways.
Here are some ways that we can all help with water quality everyday:
- not using antibacterial soaps or cleaning products
- not flushing unwanted or out-of-date medications down the toilet or drain
- not putting anything but water down storm drains
- fixing leaks that drop from cars and putting liners in driveways to collect oil and other materials
- avoiding using pesticides or chemical fertilizers
- choosing nontoxic household products when possible
- picking up after pets
- not paving properties