Easy Things You Can Do To Protect Our Water Supply

Easy Things You Can Do To Protect Our Water Supply

Stormwater pollution is one of New Jersey's biggest threats for clean water. As a real estate agent, I know this is a big concern for my clients particularly those with wells. Pollution from streets, parking lots, and lawns all are washed by rain into storm drains then into our drinking supply. These pollutants come from many places: detergents, pet waste, fertilizer, and oil to name a few. By making small, easy changes in our daily lives, we can keep pollutants out of stormwater. We all know the easiest way to make a difference is to recycle. But here are a couple of tips you may not know.

Investigate using natural or less toxic cleaning solutions, when possible. Did you know baking soda mixed with water makes a great scouring paste? Or plain white vinegar is great for cleaning a vinyl floor or toilet? Both are effective and much more inexpensive than traditional chemical cleaners.

Consider composting or using a mulching mower. Both are great ways to fertilize a lawn.

Dispose of hazardous products, such as motor oil, antifreeze and paints, properly. If unsure, check with your municipality. You can access the link for your municipality through the county website: Morris County-http://www.co.morris.nj.us/
Warren County- http://www.co.warren.nj.us/
Sussex County- http://www.co.sussex.nj.us/

Clean up after your pet. Use newspapers or a "pooper scooper" to pick up waste.

For more information visit http://www.njstormwater.org/ or http://www.nonpointsource.org/