How to Improve Water Quality in Your Community

Clean water is essential to the health of communities everywhere. That’s why it’s so important that we all do our part to protect and preserve our precious water resources.

Simple steps lead to big leaps in protecting water quality. We’ve put together a list of eight things you can do to protect water resources in your community and beyond.

Let’s dive in!

1. Stop mowing near streams and ponds:

Mowing near streams and ponds eliminates the natural protective buffer that tall grasses, shrubs and trees provide. Natural buffers protect against erosion, filter stormwater runoff, reduce harmful pollutant loads and provide habitat for mosquito-eating amphibians, fish, birds and beneficial insects.

2. Reduce lawn fertilizer usage:

One of the best ways to support the health of local water resources is to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Not only are they costly, but, when over-applied or if applied before a rainstorm, the chemicals runoff directly into our local waterways. Before applying, always remember to test your soil, read product labels and check the forecast. Also consider natural alternatives like compost!

3. Regularly clean storm drains and curbside debris:

Removing debris that collects in nearby stormwater catch basins, storm drains and along curbs promotes cleaner runoff and reduces the amount of pollution and trash entering our waterways. Make a note on your calendar each month to maintain a regular cleaning schedule! Learn more about stormwater management.

4. Host a “Test Your Well” event:

Well testing is a great way to promote groundwater protection, help people understand their role in safeguarding drinking water quality, and provide education around the proper disposal of oil, chemicals, pesticides and medicines. Learn how to host an event in your community!

5. Design and construct a rain garden:

You’ve heard this one from us before, but, what can we say, we love rain gardens, and rightfully so! They’re cost effective, easy to build and do wonders in reducing erosion, promoting ground water recharge, minimizing flooding and removing pollutants from stormwater runoff. Princeton Hydro President Geoff Goll, P.E. recently constructed one in his own yard and documented each of the steps so you can build your own too.

6. Test and treat your ponds and lakes:

Testing your pond/lake water is an important part of preventing problems like harmful weed and algae growth. Princeton Hydro professionals can provide a comprehensive analysis and an array of eco-friendly approaches to control nuisance species and promote the continual health of your pond/lake. Learn more!

7. Reduce erosion and exposed soil on your property:

If you notice erosion occurring on your property, planting native plants can really help! Their roots stabilize the soil, reduce erosion and prevent sediment loading in your waterways, which has a huge impact on the water quality of downstream ponds, lakes and reservoirs!

8. Develop a stewardship plan for your community:

Bring your community together to help preserve its natural resources. Princeton Hydro’s team of natural resource scientists can help you get the ball rolling by preparing stewardship plans focused on controlling invasive species and protecting the long-term health of open spaces, forests habitats, wetlands and water-quality in your community.

Thanks for reading our blog and doing your part to improve water quality in your community!

Click here to learn more about Princeton Hydro’s efforts to improve water quality and protect natural resources. And, click here to check out our recent blog: “How to Reduce Nutrients & Improve Water Quality with Biochar.”

• Invasive Species Management
• Lake and Pond Management
• Lake Restoration
• Natural Resource Management
• Stormwater Management
• Uncategorized