Westmont, Illinois -- Date Issued: August 10, 2021
Westmont Public Works would like to remind residents that August is National Water Quality Month. “Many people take water for granted because it is so easily accessible here in the Midwest, but this is not the case throughout the world, and lack of clean water supply is a concern in certain areas of the United States,” said Westmont Public Works Director Mike Ramsey. “Water is our singular most important resource and it’s important for everyone to be aware of this fact and respond accordingly.”
There are easily thousands of factors that can have a negative impact on the quality of your local water sources ranging from industrial pollutants to the pesticides we use in our own backyard. Here are ideas from the National Water Quality website on how you can help make a difference:
- Wash your car at a car wash: Washing your car at home allows toxic chemicals to be flushed down your storm drains that eventually empty into our lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans. Professional car washes are legally required to drain into sewer systems so that the water can be treated before being reused.
- Pick up after your pet: Animal waste is full of nitrogen which can remove oxygen from the water leaving it completely unusable for aquatic life.
- Don’t hose down your driveway - use a broom
- Don’t use fertilizer made with phosphorus: After heavy rainfall or watering, these chemicals can leak into nearby groundwater sources. Use organic materials or wait for drier weather if you absolutely need to use lawn care products.
- Do not flush expired or unwanted medication down the toilet: These products have toxic chemicals that should not be flushed down the drain. The Westmont Police Department has a dropbox for unwanted medication.
- Recycle used oil or antifreeze at a service station or recycling center
- Avoid using antibacterial soaps or cleaning products: Use eco-friendly products as many cleaners are toxic to marine life.
- Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater: Installing a rain barrel will not only save you money, but can also be used for watering your lawn or washing your car.
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