By Rick Hansen - General Manager
Three Valleys Municipal Water Distric
|
On April 22nd the 36th annual Earth Day will be celebrated. In 1962 Senator Gaylord Nelson was troubled that the state of the environment was not spotlighted in any way. It took him more than seven years to get the first Earth Day to officially take shape in the form of a grassroots celebration of the Environment. The event has grown to an organized and national day of education and celebration. Although all aspects of the environment are meant to be highlighted, we at Three Valleys are primarily, of course, concerned with water. However, it’s impossible to isolate water from the rest of the environment. For example, you often hear public service announcements on the radio asking folks to dispose of their used motor oil properly. Why? Because used motor oil dumped on to the ground, in- to trash cans, or down storm drains directly impacts the quality of drinking water for a very large area. Oil is difficult to remove from soils and water. It is a costly removal that is absolutely necessary before water can even be considered for use as drinking water or even as recycled irrigation water. Another issue that directly impacts water supply and quality is how we manage our own yards. Extensive amounts of herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers often run off when too much, or inefficiently applied water is used in our landscape. The chemicals are washed down into storm drains, creating “nonpoint sources of pollution” often a reason for beach closures. When applied in excess, these chemicals also infiltrate in to groundwater basins, causing chemical build-ups which require expensive treatment before being used in the drinking water supply. How can either one of these examples be alleviated by you? Disposing of used motor oil in approved recycling locations such as many gas stations, auto supply stores, or through your city’s collection program is the best way to manage this problem. Dumping used motor oil into your municipal trash container does not make it disappear, and in fact, can lead to extensive leaching from sanitary landfills. |
Recycling centers and collection events are free and most are conveniently located throughout your community. Check with your local city to see if they have a specific program to help you if you are a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to maintaining your vehicles. Follow directions very carefully on herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. The directions are scientifically developed to derive the most benefit with the least amount of application. This is important because excessive amounts do not help the plants, or eliminate more insects, the extra, unnecessary amount is washed down the drain, thus wasting money and creating a chemical soup that creates havoc downstream many miles. Don’t overwater. If your sprinklers are watering the sidewalk, road or driveway, adjust them. It will save you money by using water more efficiently, your plants will be healthier and your driveway will be less prone to cracking. Use plants that are better adapted to our Mediterranean climate – hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. These plants have adapted to our seasons and need less water, fertilizers and pesticides to thrive in your landscape. Every day can be Earth Day. Even small changes to the way we use our natural resources can culminate in big improvements. The point of Earth Day is to make us aware of the importance of taking care of the soil, air and water, not just taking for granted these natural resources on which we all so strongly rely every day. For events throughout your community celebrating Earth Day, you can log on to the following websites: www.earthday.net http://earthday.envirolink .org/ To learn more about used oil recycling, please contact your city. For more information of water-wise landscaping visit the following website: www.bewaterwise.com |