Join the district in celebrating National Water Quality Month—a perfect reminder of how essential clean drinking water is to our daily lives and how we all share the responsibility of safeguarding it.
Understanding where your water comes from—and where it goes after it leaves your home—can deepen your appreciation and commitment to protecting local waterways. Start by reviewing the annual Water Quality Report from Denver Water, which offers valuable insights into your water supply and treatment.
You don’t need to make big changes to make a big impact. Even small actions at home can go a long way toward protecting our water sources. Here are 9 simple ways you can help:
9 Ways to Protect Water Quality from Home
- Wash your car at a car wash: Commercial car washes use less water and are required to treat wastewater, keeping harmful chemicals out of storm drains and local waterways.
- Pick up after your pet: Pet waste is high in nitrogen, which depletes oxygen in water and harms aquatic life.
- Sweep, don’t spray: Use a broom to clean driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them down, which washes debris and pollutants into storm drains.
- Skip phosphorus fertilizers: These chemicals can wash into groundwater and rivers after rain or irrigation. Opt for organic alternatives, or limit use to dry days.
- Don’t flush medications: Expired or unused drugs contain chemicals that should never enter the water system. Use designated take-back programs instead.
- Properly dispose of paint: Even dried-out house paint can leach harmful chemicals into the environment if not disposed of correctly.
- Recycle oil and antifreeze: Take automotive fluids to a service station or hazardous waste center—never pour them down a drain.
- Avoid antibacterial soaps in the drain: These products contain compounds that can harm marine ecosystems and disrupt water treatment processes.
- Use a rain barrel: Collecting rainwater is a great way to conserve water. Use it for gardening or washing your car while reducing runoff.
Every step counts. By taking action at home, you’re helping ensure safe, clean drinking water for your family, your community, and generations to come.