Earth Savers Club

Water. Although plentiful, this molecule is very precious.

To begin, watch this.

In August, we're focusing on polluted areas and how we can increase water quality in our neighboring areas. Water quality, which describes the characteristics of water and measures the condition of water relative to need, is a very important issue in many communities. You may have heard a nearby water source, whether it be tap or stream, to be too polluted to drink, swim in, or even use for car washing. In my case, I discovered a local river in the Chesapeake Bay region deserved an F in water quality [1]

It is easy to dismiss water pollution as a problem for people near the coast, yet water pollution is detrimental to businesses, health, the local aquatic life, and the economy for the entire country. [2]

Because of the smell of a nearby river, contractors in a Wisconsin region chose different businesses, while algae from the water causes sewage pollution and overflow – something everyone has to pay for.

In the past few decades, there have been cases of the “blue baby syndrome”, especially in the New Mexico area, where babies turn blue and die because of high nitrogen levels in the water. Thankfully, the EPA has a safe drinking water standards to make your tap water relatively safe nowadays. However, the more polluted our waters get, the more likely some containments will enter the system.

Therefore, we need to bond together and do something. You can sign this petition to tell cruise ships to stop spewing filth into our oceans.

With a better understanding and appreciation of clean water, be mindful of your water use and conserve!

• A 10-minute shower, depending on your showerhead, is 5-7 gallons. That’s a lot of clean water. Switch to a low water pressure head to reduce your impact.
• When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing.
• Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
• Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly.
• Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.

Educate yourself and your community

I highly suggest you go find a water source and test it! Although it may sound a little confusing, but you can find a kit here.

Basically you would test for:

• pH
• Dissolved Oxygen (DO), which is necessary for aquatic life to survive
• Nitrates, essential for plant growth
• Temperature
• Turbidity (the clearness/fogginess of the water), which indicates sediment suspension in water
• Fecal coliform, which indicates that the water has been contaminated with the fecal material of man or other animals, which is gross and unhealthy

Tests for the levels and presence of these indicators are easy and revealing. It can always lead to a new project, idea, or innovation!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at connie@greeningforward.org. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.

Build a project of your choice!

Because of the failing water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, a group of students at my school planned, organized, and built a 2,000 sq. ft. rain garden in our backyard. We involved hundreds of students, teachers, and community members in fundraising and digging itself. The garden will process stormwater runoff from our parking lot, resulting in cleaner water for residents. [3]

Talk to environmental groups in the neighborhood and see what is the major problem in your area. A little curiosity goes a long way!

Keep your eyes peeled for Greening Forward's Twitter and Facebook posts this month for tips to improve water quality in your neighborhood!