Tips to Educate Customers During National Water Quality Month

8/24/2021

During National Water Quality Month, it’s important to understand that clean water isn’t only made possible by plumbing and civil contractors, but by customers, too. Outside of secure plumbing and filtration systems, customers should be aware of the various safe practices they can adopt around their homes and businesses to maintain safe drinking water and preserve freshwater resources.

To ensure healthy, safe water quality this National Water Quality Month, check out these tips you should relay to your customers during the month of August and beyond.
 

Why Customers Should Follow Safe Water Practices


From typical household consumption to large-scale industrial and agricultural operations, all humans produce some sort of wastewater. The issue arises when we use clean water that then turns to wastewater. It also collects a significant amount of pollutants, including pesticides, chemicals, and animal/human waste. Around the world, more than 80% of wastewater pushes back into our ecosystems without ever being treated or recycled.

With these harmful contaminants pushing back uncontrollably into water sources, both humans and neighboring ecosystems can suffer serious health consequences. While the U.S. is strongly equipped with water treatment technology and waterworks professionals to help ensure safe drinking water, this isn't always the case worldwide.
 

Top Tips to Ensure Safe Drinking Water Locally


During the month of August, waterworks professionals should take the time to educate people on the importance of safe drinking water and what it takes to achieve this. Though it may be tough to completely eliminate unsafe and contaminated water, there are some tips you can relay to your customers to aid in the process.
 

Properly Use and Dispose of Harmful Materials


Educate your customers on the numerous harmful materials, such as motor oil, household cleaners, and medication, that commonly contaminate water sources. They should never dispose of these materials down the drain, on the ground, or in storm sewers. Be sure to include guidance on proper disposal methods and waste drop-off locations in your area.
 

Pay Attention to Lawn and Garden Product Instructions


Many lawn and garden products, including pesticides and fertilizers, contain hefty amounts of harmful chemicals. Inform your customers to read packing labels for safe usage and dosing amounts, as excess contaminants can end up in the soil and pollute groundwater and stormwater runoff. Also, suggest organic alternatives.
 

Keep Up With Septic System Maintenance


When homeowners neglect a septic system of proper maintenance, malfunctions can leak bacteria, viruses, and chemicals into the local clean water supply. A good recommendation to relate to your customers is to have their septic systems inspected every three years by a professional to ensure safe system performance.
 

Industry Professionals Can Help Keep Water Safe


Proudly Essential Pros powered by MORSCO, understands the valuable role plumbing and waterworks professionals play in maintaining a safe water supply. We can only go so far as to support clean water practices if our customers aren't doing the same. This National Water Quality Month, educate your customers on the best pollution prevention practices with these tips. 

With a few best practices, everyone can contribute to reducing the amount of pollution that enters our clean water supply—not just the contractors who contribute to this effort daily. As an added point of focus, professionals can also recommend routine water testing to assess water conditions on a localized level and ensure access to safe drinking water.