Source Water Protection
Source water is untreated water from lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, reservoirs, aquifers, and springs that serve as a community’s water source. Protecting these water sources is an easy way to prevent drinking water from becoming polluted by managing possible sources of contamination.
How Does Source Water Protection Benefit Me?
- Public health protection: Reduced threats to public health due to acute or chronic illness from exposure to contaminated water.
- Economic benefits: Minimizes cost for water treatment, emergency replacement water and finding new supplies.
- Environmental stewardship: Protection of rural lands, wildlife habitats, recreational areas and water quality of streams and wetlands.
How You Can Help Protect Source Water
- Pick up after your pet.
- Refrain from swimming in known drinking water sources.
- Never dump anything in creeks or lakes.
- If you like boating, only participate in passive boating such as rowing, canoeing or kayaking instead of motorized boating.
- Compost yard waste and use natural fertilizers.
- Plant trees along creeks.
- Check and repair vehicle fluid levels.
- Properly dispose of household cleaning products, paint, fertilizers, pesticides and expired/unused medications.