Clean Waters

After creating the heavens and the earth, God created waters and dry land. Water abounds in the world covering more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, yet only 2.5 percent exists as fresh water. Polluted waters poison environments and people, terminating rather than sustaining life. Embodying God’s call to care for all life, especially those who are the least among us, requires protecting fresh water supplies around the world. We are Christ’s hands and feet in this world and can glorify God through water preservation.

Quick fixes

Saving water is as easy as turning off the tap. Turn off faucets while not in use, including while you shave, brush your teeth or lather up in the shower. If you have a lawn or garden, water during the early morning or late evening when less water will be lost to evaporation. Fixing leaky faucets and installing low flow nozzles and shower heads will reduce your water consumption, lowering your water bill and saving unnecessary gallons from being drawn and processed from local water supplies. Other water saving tips may be found on the Water — Use it Wisely Web site.

Grey water

Grey water is that water that goes straight down the drain and isn’t used, like the water that comes from the tap before it is hot enough for a shower. Collect grey water in a bucket and reuse it for other needs. Use grey water to rinse dishes, mop floors, wash a car or water plants. Add it to toilet reservoirs after flushing to save gallons every week.

Rain water

Collecting rain water from roof runoff to water your garden or houseplants is an excellent way to save on water use. Rainwater collection barrels may be obtained from some municipal governments or from home and garden centers.

Cleaning water

By running only full loads of laundry or dishes in a washing machine or dishwasher, you will save many gallons each year. When washing dishes by hand fill one side with rinse water rather than keeping the water running for rinsing dishes. Buckets are great for minimizing water usage while washing produce, mopping and washing a car.

Grass and landscaping

If you live in a house with grass or landscaped areas, plant species that will most efficiently handle water in your area. Native species, wildflowers and certain plants consume less water than others. Planting in areas where water is efficiently absorbed will help reduce consumption. Using a drip irrigation system or a sprinkler system with a rain shutoff can save many gallons each year.

Pesticides and fertilizers

Chemicals used to boost plant growth and remove bugs may have negative effects on soil and water supplies. Fertilizers that leach into local water supplies encourage algae blooms and increased plant growth that can clog streams, disrupt ecosystems and potentially contaminate water supplies as waters become miry. Organic options break down into natural components that have minimal environmental impact. Waters are best preserved and protected through hand weeding, mulching and using compost instead of fertilizer.

Driveways and carports

Pavement and concrete sheet water toward storm drains and drainage areas. The water that is diverted can cause erosion and other damaging effects. Using gravel rather than pavement for surfaces such as drives and carports helps land absorb rainwater and minimizes runoff and erosion.

Storm drains

Storm drains are found on the side of roads and are there to guide excess rain water off the road and into local rivers, lakes and oceans. Occasionally these drains route water to treatment facilities before the water reaches other sources. Keep water clean by unclogging storm drains in your area. Report drains that are not marked with signage indicating direct connection to water supplies to help prevent chemical dumping. Never pour oil, car fluids or other chemicals into a storm drain as they can interfere with local water quality.

Chemical disposal

All chemicals need to be properly disposed to prevent leaching into groundwater supplies. TVs, cell phones, computers and all other electronic equipment contain heavy metal components that require recycling to prevent leaching. Batteries, especially rechargeable and large batteries, should be recycled or taken to a disposal facility. All florescent bulbs, including Compact Florescent Bulbs (CFLs), contain small amounts of mercury that need special disposal. Household chemicals should be handled with care and disposed in the safest manner possible. Earth 911 offers some great guidelines and tips for disposing of many chemicals to prevent leaching.

Prescription drugs

Old medications should not be flushed down the toilet. This method of disposal, while recommended by many pharmacy technicians, physicians and the Office of National Drug Control Policy, is considered by the Environmental Protection Agency as the least desirable way to dispose of any drug. Flushed medicines will likely end up in water supplies because there is little to no filtering for these items currently in place at water treatment facilities. Protect water supplies and God’s creation by taking medicines to collection centers in your area. Eco Cycle provides a number of helpful links when searching for a proper disposal facility.

Pollution

Aside from the forms of pollution discussed above, there are many other pollutants that can taint water quality. Industrial factories are required to maintain certain standards for pollution. However, you can make sure that these standards are upheld in your community by advocating for local enforcement and attending city council meetings. Organize campaigns in your community, school or household to educate others about the importance of keeping waters clean.

Septic tanks

Many communities and homes are not connected to the local sewer system. In these locations septic tanks often collect human waste and grey water. It is important to maintain proper septic health in your tank through maintenance. Chemical disposal is especially important if you have a septic system as harsh chemicals can disrupt biological balances and ruin the tank’s efficiency. Under-maintained tanks can also create unpleasant backup, the overflow from which can contaminate local environments. Properly maintaining a septic tank helps ensure safe, clean water.