5 tips to keep water clean and safe on World Water Day

Every year since 1993, the 22nd of March has marked World Water Day.  The UN created and has since marked this day to pay dues to the importance of water and recognise how vital it is to preserve this resource.  The theme for World Water Day 2019 is “leaving no-one behind”.  This theme centers around the promise of the 2030 promise for sustainable development.  Goal 6 of this agenda seeks to secure the management and availability of a sustainable water source for all.

It’s no secret that preserving the clean water supply we have and not contaminating or wasting it would help us reach that goal. This is a way in which every one of us can do our part to help those who are not privileged enough to have an adequate water supply. So here are a few tips we can all use to keep water clean and safe.

1. Dispose of pharmaceuticals and other hazardous materials properly (do not flush them down the toilet)

There are dozens of reasons why this is a bad idea, the main one being that these compounds being flushed remain in the water. Not only do they contaminate water and affect the eco-system but they also have a detrimental effect on human health. Flushing pharmaceuticals does not get rid of them, it only dilutes them.  

Dispose of any pharmaceutical products in a proper manner.

2 . Don’t pour detergents and other cleaning products down drains, you never know where the drain leads

Many drains lead to surface water sources. Even a small amount of a detergent or cleaning products can contaminate a large area of surface water. Dispose of these chemicals in the proper manner to avoid them contaminating clean water.

Why not go one step further? You can make your own environmentally friendly cleaning products using vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.  This act alone could greatly reduce the level of phosphates in our water supply.

Pay special attention to the compounds of your cosmetics, once it contains microplastics granules, try to avoid using ones because microplastics is not biodegradable and pollutes water environment. 

3. Protect your private well

Having a private well means that nature has given you the privilege of having a source of clean and fresh water either on or near your property. In turn, you should have the responsibility to protect this source of water. Always ensure your wellhead is sealed and protect your well against any surface water or runoff.  Also, make sure your well is a good distance away from any potential contaminants. Ensure your septic tank is at least 30 metres away from your well and if you are on a farm with any manure of pesticides, ensure that they are at least 50 metres away from your well.

If you own a private well it is advised to test your water at least once a year, just to check for bacterial, faecal, and agricultural contamination.

4. Protect our natural resources

There are a few things each of us can do to keep our water fresh and clean, most of these are common sense. For one, don’t dump anything around rivers and streams, if you can maybe try and clean up around them if you see waste dumped in the area.

Also, forests and wetlands act as natural water filters, joining the fight against deforestation and saving our rainforests will save our water too.

5. Reduce water usage

This is probably the best way of all to keep water clean and safe, only use the water you really need. Everyone can think of a time when they used water unnecessarily or wasted it. Water is a finite resource so next time you find yourself about to waste or contaminate water, think of somebody across the world who has to live some days without an adequate supply of clean drinking water.

Join the celebration this World Water Day and make one change to your lifestyle to help keep water clean and safe, also test your water at least once a year so that you can know exactly what you are consuming.