Join Us for National Water Quality Month

• August 4, 2025 | Category: Water Resources, Your Water

August is National Water Quality Month, an annual observance aimed at raising awareness about the importance of clean and safe water resources. It’s a time to reflect on how we use and protect our water, with a focus on conservation and preventing contamination. The month serves as a reminder that clean water is essential for individual health, and that clean drinking water starts with clean source water. 

By celebrating National Water Quality Month, individuals, communities, and organizations can work together to protect and preserve our precious water resources for the future. Find out more about Your Water here, and see below for easy things you can do at home to help protect the drinking water we all rely on.

9 Things You Can Do at Home to Help Protect Your Drinking Water

1. Wash your car at a car wash: Even though it might cost more than washing your car at home, taking your car to a car wash saves water and prevents toxic chemicals from being 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.

2. 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.

3. Don’t hose down your driveway, use a broom.

4. Don’t use fertilizer made with phosphorus: After heavy rainfall or watering, these chemicals can leak into nearby groundwater sources. Try using organic materials or waiting for drier weather if you absolutely need to use lawn care products.

5. Do not flush expired or unwanted medication down the toilet: These products have toxic chemicals that should not be flushed down the drain. Take advantage of prescription drug take back days sponsored locally or look for authorized disposal sites near you.

6. Learn how to properly dispose of leftover paint: Even house paint thrown in the trash can impact local water.

7. Take used oil or antifreeze to a service station or recycling center.

8. Avoid using antibacterial soaps or cleaning products in your drain as they are also toxic to marine life.

9. 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.

Source: nationalwaterqualitymonth.org