What can I do?
Protecting the Earth's water quality and supply can seem overwhelming. However, we can work together to promote change and protect water resources for future generations.
Here is what you can do
- Respect and protect water at home, at work and at play
- Make water saving changes in your home
- Reduce bottled water use
- Teach children to value water and to reduce and recycle water
- Support governments that initiate water quality programs even if they cost more
- Become a clean water advocate: learn about local water issues
- Encourage organizations, to which you belong, to include water programming
Here is what you must not do
Toilets are NOT Garbage Cans
Flushing the wrong things down your toilet can block sewer pipes. Don't throw waste down the drain just because it's convenient. It's also extremely important to keep medicines and household wastes out of the toilet.
Sinks are NOT Garbage Cans
Sewer pipes blocked by grease are an increasingly common of sewage back-ups in homes as well as causing raw sewage discharges to our environment.
Only Rain Down the Drain
Don't dump anything into storm sewers. Storm water drains directly into the nearest creek, river, or lake. This water is NOT treated!
Don't forget about water quality even when you're having fun
Pools, spas, and hot tubs require proper maintenance. Drain your pools and hot tubs the right way, the chemicals you put down the storm drain go directly into our rivers and creeks! Power boats can pollute the water through gasoline and oil leaks and spills.
To learn even more visit Environment Canada.