Protecting Our Water
Generally speaking, contaminated groundwater is very difficult and expensive to clean up. Solutions can be found after groundwater has been contaminated but this isn't always easy. The best thing to do is adopt pollution prevention and conservation practices in order to protect important groundwater supplies from being contaminated or depleted in the first place.
Pollution Prevention
Many steps are being taken to keep contaminants (O.Reg. 284/07 - Source Protection Areas and Regions) from getting into our groundwater supplies. Manufacturers are using fewer toxic raw materials. Consumers have switched to phosphate-free detergents and other less polluting household products. Regulations contained in the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act and MOE Reg.O-903 have also been a big part of the protection of drinking water supplies.
Groundwater Conservation
Groundwater is available in limited quantities and nothing works without it. Since groundwater is an important and vital resource for all people, it is important to protect it. Conserving the quantity of groundwater is essential. By simply reducing the amount of water that we use, our water supply will last longer. Find out how you can start conserving water today.
Groundwater Guardian
You can protect groundwater on a local level in your community. Click here to meet and join a network of professional, people who care about the future of this most important natural resource, groundwater.
Top 10 Ways to Protect and Conserve Groundwater
- Dispose of chemicals properly.
- Take used motor oil to a recycling center.
- Limit the amount of fertilizer used on plants.
- Take short showers.
- Shut water off while brushing teeth.
- Run full loads of dishes and laundry.
- Check for leaky faucets and have them fixed.
- Abandon all wells that are not needed.
- Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator.
- Get involved in water education.
