It's important for all of us to be good land stewards. What a person does in our watershed affects us and all those living downstream. Pollution is cumulative. Relate water pollution to a savings account. If one person puts $1 into a savings account -- that's not a lot of money. However, if everyone living in a watershed puts $1 into a savings account it really starts to add up.

Fortunately the Brodhead Creek is a high quality water source and Dr. Waters challenges everyone to do their part to keep our drinking water safe.

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP

- Maintain your private septic system. The greatest contributor of bacteria to our drinking water is unmaintained and malfunctioning private septic systems. Pump your septic at least every four years to keep it working properly.

- Minimize your use of lawn and garden products. Applying too much fertilizer, herbicide or pesticide is expensive and does little to help achieve a better landscape. Explore safe alternatives like "compost tea" instead of fertilizer. Use "Sluggo" slug and snail bait instead of harsh chemicals. Sluggo is safe for children and pets and it works as a fertilizer (iron phosphate) as it breaks down over time.

 Proper disposal of household waste and recycling. Used motor oil and antifreeze can be recycled at places like Jiffy Lube® usually free of charge. The Covered Device Recyling Act (PA HB708) requires recycling of all electronics. Cell phones can be recycled at RadioShack or Verizon stores. Computers, TV's and electronics are accepted free of charge by Waste Management at the entrance to the landfill in Pen Argyl. Some batteries can be recycled. Vehicle batteries can be recycled at most automotive repair shops. Lithium and rechargeable batteries can be recycled at Lowes or Home Depot (there's a bin at the front entrance).

 Report illegal dumping.  You can remain anonymous and report illegal dumping to the Monroe County Municipal Waste Management Authority. Be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood. Individuals, businesses and construction activities can pollute our drinking water supply. 

Buy what you need and use what you buy. We are all guilty of this one. Almost every household has a staggering amount of unused or partially used products. An extra can of paint for "touch-up" that will never get used. Four half-used Comet© cleansers. You get the idea. Challenge yourself to only buy what you need and start using up some of that old inventory! 

Fix all leaks! Household leaks (especially toilets) waste a staggering amount of water each day. Toilets can easily be checked by taking off the lid and adding a few drops of food coloring inside the tank. Wait 30 minutes and if the colored water appears in the bowl below, it is leaking! Most people don't notice leaking toilets because you cannot see or hear this type of leak. Click here for a great pamphlet on common household leaks.