Act Now to Protect Your Groundwater
Protect Your Groundwater Day is September 13
Concord, NH – New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) urges every New Hampshire resident and visitor to protect groundwater—the largest source of drinking water in the state, the United States and the world. A good time to start is Protect Your Groundwater Day, September 13.
“Every person“Every person can play a role in protecting groundwater—from keeping it clean to using water wisely,” said Sarah Pillsbury, administrator of the Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau at DES. “Each of us is responsible for protecting our shared groundwater resources. For many people, this means a small adjustment in their daily activities, such as fixing leaks and storing household chemicals so they can’t spill onto the ground.”
What are some other specific actions New Hampshire residents can take?
When it comes to hazardous household substances:
- Store them properly in sealed containers in a secure place.
- Use them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Dispose of them safely.
- Learn about household hazardous waste collections at www.des.nh.gov; in the A to Z List, click on “Household Hazardous Waste.”
To conserve water:
- Modify your water use by taking shorter showers, watering your lawn in the morning or washing only full loads of laundry.
- Install a water-saving device, such as a low-flow toilet or water-efficient appliance.
- For more information about conserving water, visit www.des.nh.gov; in the A to Z List, click on “Water Conservation.”
If you own a water well:
- Move possible contamination sources a safe distance from the wellhead.
- Inspect and properly maintain your septic system.
- Have your water well system inspected.
- Properly decommission any abandoned wells on your property with the help of a professional.
Protect Your Groundwater Day was started by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA). Learn other ways to protect groundwater by visiting the NGWA Protect Your Groundwater Day web page at www.ngwa.org/Events-Education/groundwater-day/Pages/default.aspx.
For more information about groundwater protection in New Hampshire, visit www.des.nh.gov; in the A to Z List, click on “Groundwater Protection.” And, for information about testing your private well, visit www.des.nh.gov; in the A to Z List, click on “Private Well Testing.”
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