August is Water Quality Month, a byproduct of the United Nations’ International Decade for Action (2005-2015). The water damage restoration experts at RestoPros want to help spread the word. While this blog has extensively covered the adverse effects of water in homes and buildings, today our focus is on the adverse effects that households can have on water quality. There are dozens of small actions that we perform every week that can have a negative impact on our water supply. How we get rid of trash, how we care for our lawn and the cleaning products we use all are all tied to the results. It’s important to address these actions and make an attempt to change the habits that are the most destructive. We compiled a list of action items from leading environmentalists to help get you started.

Unused pharmaceuticals should not be flushed down the toilet. The chemicals can end up in our water supply. Dissolve the drugs by pouring vinegar into the bottle, pull off the label and then throw into the garbage.

Never dump anything down the storm drain as it eventually flows into lakes and rivers. Storm drains are for rain water runoff only. To help combat additional pollution, remove debris and trash from around storm drains in your neighborhood.

Try to use your garbage disposal minimally. Though they are designed to help get rid of food waste, this waste is not good for the watershed. Additionally, never pour grease down the disposal or sink. Grease can build up in sewer lines and cause blockage.

Replace old water fixtures with low-flow designs including faucets, shower heads and toilets. These modern designs use less water per minute than older, more common fixtures.

4 Benefits to Low-Flow Appliances

Plant native trees, flowers and plants which will help increase water infiltration and require less lawn maintenance.

Super Plants for Texas Landscapes

When using lawn chemicals, never apply before a rain storm or before watering. The toxic runoff will flow into storm drains that flow into local water supplies. Consider using organic lawn fertilizers and pesticides.

Organic Lawn Care

Always collect pet waste in a recyclable bag and dispose of it in the trash. Pet waste can find its way into the water supply and spread bacteria.

Use environmentally safe cleaning products, which will ensure hazardous toxins stay out of your home (and don’t contaminate the water supply).

Make Your Own Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

When you need to wash your car, either take it to a professional car wash with wastewater filters – or wash it on the lawn. Washing your car at home (on your driveway or in the street) will produce toxic runoff that will contaminate the gutter water.

Reduce runoff by using a rain barrel to catch water from rain gutters. You can also save money by using the runoff water to water your garden and plants.

Fix leaks in your car to keep the oil, antifreeze and other chemicals off the driveway and polluting the runoff. Park on top of a tarp if you are unable to repair the leak right away.

Stay away from antibacterial soap and other cleaning products. Many antibacterial products contain a pesticide called Triclosan that harm marine life.

Consider using stones when creating walking areas in your front and back yard. Rainwater takes any toxins from pavement back to the closest rain gutter. Without the pavement to block the ground, water can soak inside where the contaminants are diluted.

Learn About Helping Your Local Watershed

The professionals at RestoPros are the Dallas/Ft. Worth water remediation experts. While we are doing our part to keep the local watershed clean, we know firsthand the damaging effects of water on a home. If your property has recently been damaged by rain, ruptured water lines, broken pipes or other causes, contact us today. Our certified experts can quickly assess the damage and offer a solution using the latest water extraction and restoration technology. Call 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment!

Related Blogs:

Moisture Vaporators and Water

Protecting Against Flooding Dangers

Don’t forget to follow RestoPros on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and Google+ for new Updates, News, and Discounts.