Happy New
Year!
Whether
you do it for yourself or for your kids, for now or for the future, for your
health or the environment, taking care of our water resources is an important
responsibility that we all should share.
So why not make a resolution
to be more River-Friendly this year? Here are some tips and ideas to protect water
resources and, in some cases, save money!
Visit http://www.raritanbasin.org/Projects/riverfriendly/resident_tech_materials.html for more information on these topics.
·
Landscape with native plants to help reduce
your yard’s water needs.
o
Native
plants evolved in the region in which they are found, so they are adapted to
the local weather, soil and geology.
Native plants typically require less maintenance and less irrigation
than non-natives and are generally more resistant to pests and diseases. By using natives, you can reduce your need
for irrigation, pesticides and herbicides.
·
Use a soil test to guide your fertilizer use.
o
Tests will tell you exactly how much
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, lime, sulfur or other nutrients to add to your
soil. Too much nitrogen and phosphorus can cause harm to lakes, rivers and
drinking water. Other excess nutrients can weaken and even kill your plants and
grass.
·
Use less pesticides and fertilizers.
o
Only use pesticides and fertilizers
when you need them. Excess nitrogen and
phosphorus can be carried by the rain to lakes and streams. Too much nitrogen or phosphorus in the water
can cause a reduction in oxygen which is harmful to small children and young
animals that drink it. It can also cause
an overgrowth of aquatic plants and algae leading to clogged water intakes and
fish kills.
·
Conserve
Water!
o
The U.S. population is growing and with it, the demand on our
water resources. At least 36 states faced water shortages through 2013, making
water conservation a very important issue.
Save money on your water bill by conserving water whenever you can and
become a part of the solution instead of the problem.
§
Repair leaky faucets and toilets right
away. Save up to 50 gallons of water a day!
§
Install a water saving
showerhead. Save up to 20 gallons per
person per day!
§
Turn off the tap while you’re brushing
your teeth. Save 3-5 gallons each time
you brush your teeth.
·
Collect water in rain barrels and use it later
to water your garden.
o
Rain Barrels are a great way to
conserve water for your non-drinking needs as well as to slow down stormwater,
preventing it from picking up pollutants and eroding stream banks.
·
Clean up after your pets.
o
Not scooping your dog poop can lead to high levels of fecal
coliform in lakes and streams as it is picked
up from where you left it and carried by stormwater.
·
Dispose of household cleaners, paints and
other chemicals safely, such as at a household hazardous waste day.
·
Replace one household chemical with an
environmentally friendly alternative.
o
Keep toxic chemicals from the water by
using products with natural ingredients.
·
Get involved in a local watershed
organization.
o
Participate in a stream clean-up or
other activities.
·
Plant a tree!
o
Trees are important for many reasons, not
only do they provide oxygen for us to breathe, but they can protect our water
by slowing down stormwater runoff and filtering pollutants.
The New Jersey Water Supply Authority wishes
you a wonderful year and we thank you for any steps that you might take towards
cleaner, healthier water. It is all of
us together that will make a difference!
