Happy National Water Quality Month!

While it may not be the most well known cause to celebrate, August is when we recognize water quality as a critical element in all of our lives. As Leonardo da Vinci said, “Water is the driving force of all nature,” and we couldn’t agree more.

As Twin Cities plumbers, we are always thinking about Minnesota water quality. Our drinking water comes from source water that arrives in our homes from one of two places, groundwater or surface water (lakes, rivers, reservoirs). 

In celebration of National Water Quality Month, think about ways that you can take personal action to protect this invaluable resource to maintain drinking water benefits.

Simple Ways to Protect Source Water

• Choose non-toxic household products when possible, and avoid antibacterial soaps and cleaning products.
• Dispose of out-of-date medications properly. Do not flush medications down the toilet or drain.
• Shorten your daily shower, and turn water off when you shave or brush your teeth.
• Fix any car leaks and line driveways to collect oil and other polluting materials.
• Make sure sprinklers are aimed correctly to water the yard, not the sidewalks or streets.
• Always pick up trash and pet waste.
• Avoid using pesticides or other chemical fertilizers.
• Reduce runoff and utilize rain barrels.
• Turn gutter downspouts toward areas of the yard that need to be watered, not paved areas or driveways.

Less than 1% of all water on Earth is usable by humans. The average person living in North America uses 400 liters of water a day, while the average person in a developing nation uses just 10 for drinking, washing, and cooking. Even though clean drinking water is readily available, we must not take it for granted.

Water seems plentiful for Minnesota residents who live in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” but it is a scarce resource that should be valued and protected. In honor of National Water Quality Month, put some of these tips into practice and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Do you need a Minneapolis or Saint Paul plumber? Give us a call to schedule your evaluation today: (651) 228-9200.