Protecting Our Water: Reducing Groundwater Pollution

Groundwater is a fundamental segment of the Earth's water resources, making up about 25% of the planet's overall freshwater supply. However, human activities and land development pose a significant threat to its quality and availability. Groundwater contamination can persist for years, even decades, and the cleanup process is challenging and expensive. As such, prevention is key when it comes to reducing groundwater pollution. This includes properly disposing of waste, safely storing and minimizing the use of chemicals, regularly inspecting and maintaining pipelines and storage tanks, and implementing effective wastewater management practices.

Safely store, handle, and dispose of chemicals and fuels

To reduce groundwater pollution, it is important to safely store, handle, and dispose of chemicals and fuels. Here are some detailed guidelines to achieve this:

Safe Storage

Chemicals and fuels should be stored in designated areas that are secure, covered, and out of the way of normal activities. The storage area should be easily accessible and clearly marked with signs such as "Danger—Hazardous Waste". It is crucial to use compatible and chemically resistant containers that can be securely closed to prevent leaks. Containers should be appropriately sized, with smaller quantities stored in smaller containers. Always use secondary containment by placing the primary container inside a larger one that can capture spills and leaks. Keep flammable substances away from potential ignition sources, and store acids and bases separately. Ensure that storage shelves are sturdy, fit for purpose, and easily accessible.

Safe Handling

Before handling chemicals or fuels, it is essential to gain as much information as possible by reading labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and manufacturer instructions. Understand the potential dangers, health hazards, and necessary protective measures. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling these substances, such as gloves, masks, and protective clothing. Implement control measures to minimise risks, such as using extraction systems or safer processes.

Safe Disposal

Dispose of chemicals and fuels responsibly and legally to avoid contaminating the environment. Refer to the manufacturer's safety data sheet for disposal instructions. Use authorised waste carriers or specialist waste disposal companies to collect and dispose of hazardous substances correctly. Before collection, store the substances correctly, clearly label them, and provide a detailed description to the waste carrier.

Reduce chemical use

Reducing chemical use is crucial to preventing groundwater pollution. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Minimize the use of chemicals: This is one of the most important ways to prevent groundwater pollution. Always use chemicals according to the directions provided. Only use chemicals when absolutely necessary, and consider substituting them with more environmentally and human-friendly alternatives whenever possible. For example, opt for natural, non-toxic household cleaners such as lemon juice, baking soda, or vinegar.

Properly dispose of chemicals: Never dump chemicals down drains, sinks, floor drains, storm sewers, or on the ground. Many communities hold household hazardous waste collections or have sites where you can safely dispose of chemicals. Contact your local health department or environmental officials to find out the proper disposal methods and locations in your area.

Safely store and handle chemicals: Keep chemicals and fuels in a secure location, preferably indoors or covered, to prevent rainwater from becoming contaminated with chemical runoff. Use proper storage containers, such as sealed and labelled bottles or tubs, to avoid spills and leaks. Always follow safety guidelines when handling chemicals, including wearing protective gear.

Treat contaminated groundwater: If you have contaminated groundwater on your property, consider implementing remediation techniques such as pump and treat systems or in situ chemical treatment to remove or neutralize the chemicals. Controlling the source of contamination and containing the plume of contaminated water are critical to restoring groundwater quality.

By following these guidelines and reducing chemical use, you can help prevent groundwater pollution and protect this valuable natural resource.

Properly dispose of all waste

Proper waste disposal is essential to reducing groundwater pollution. Here are some ways to ensure proper waste disposal:

Reduce Consumer Waste

The first step is to reduce the amount of waste generated. This can be achieved by adopting a more circular approach, such as reducing, reusing, and recycling. Opt for reusable products instead of single-use plastic packaging, bottles, and containers. When possible, eliminate packaging altogether. Purchase second-hand clothing and household items instead of buying new ones. Repair broken items instead of automatically replacing them.

Dispose of Waste Properly

It is crucial to dispose of waste in the appropriate bins and never to litter. Familiarize yourself with your municipality's guidelines on how to properly dispose of recyclable and non-recyclable waste. Always recycle when possible, and ensure that you recycle correctly. Keep the lids of waste bins closed to prevent rainwater from washing materials out of them, and place them on hard surfaces, preferably concrete.

Manage Hazardous Waste

Properly manage potentially toxic substances such as chemicals, fuels, unused pharmaceuticals, paint, motor oil, and other hazardous materials. Never pour chemicals down drains or on the ground. Instead, contact your local health department to find hazardous waste collection sites or programs in your community. Additionally, ensure that all septic systems are properly used and maintained, and have them pumped and inspected every five years.

Practice Responsible Outdoor Waste Disposal

When enjoying outdoor spaces, it is essential to anticipate the types of waste that will be generated and to dispose of them properly. The "Pack it in, Pack it out" principle encourages outdoor enthusiasts to take all their trash, leftover food, and litter with them when they leave. Burying solid human waste in catholes located at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites is recommended. Human waste should be covered and disguised with natural materials, and the same practice should be applied to cat holes used for menstrual cups. Toilet paper should be thoroughly buried in catholes or packed out, especially in arid landscapes. Urinating on rocks, pine needles, or gravel can help minimize the attraction of wildlife.

Regularly inspect high-risk areas

Regularly inspecting high-risk areas is a crucial step in reducing groundwater pollution. This involves identifying areas within your business or community that are particularly vulnerable to contamination and conducting frequent inspections to catch any potential leaks or accidents before they happen.

High-risk areas can include chemical storage and loading zones, areas with underground fuel or chemical tanks, and locations with septic systems or wells. For instance, businesses should regularly inspect chemical storage areas to prevent spills from entering floor drains. Additionally, it is important to test any underground fuel oil tanks for leaks and ensure that above-ground storage tanks are double-walled or placed inside a secondary container to prevent leaks from reaching the ground or a drain.

Another example of a high-risk area is on-site septic systems. These systems should be pumped and inspected regularly, at least once every five years, to prevent contamination. Similarly, wells and the surrounding land areas should be examined, and wells should be tested as frequently as the pollution risk demands.

By regularly inspecting these high-risk areas, potential problems can be identified and addressed before they lead to groundwater pollution. This proactive approach is essential for effective groundwater protection and can help avoid the costly and challenging process of cleaning up contaminated groundwater.

Develop a pollution prevention plan

The first step in developing a pollution prevention plan is to identify the sources of groundwater contamination. Groundwater contamination can come from various sources, including on-site septic systems, leaky tanks or pipelines containing petroleum products, industrial/factory wastewater, fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture, and contaminants in rain, snow, and dry atmospheric fallout. Once the sources of contamination have been identified, specific prevention measures can be put in place.

One important measure is to properly manage chemical and product storage. This includes safely storing, handling, and using chemicals and fuels, as well as minimising their use and disposing of them properly. Keep them indoors or covered to prevent rainwater from becoming contaminated and washing chemicals into storm drains. Make sure above-ground storage tanks are double-walled or placed inside a secondary container to prevent leaks from reaching the ground or a drain.

Another measure is to implement proper waste management practices. This includes properly disposing of all waste, including chemicals, and ensuring that waste dumpsters have closed lids and are placed on hard surfaces, preferably concrete. Eliminate floor drains in chemical storage and loading areas, or protect them with drain covers or plugs to prevent spills from entering them. Regularly inspect high-risk areas to catch potential leaks or accidents before they happen.

In addition, it is important to address any on-site septic systems and underground fuel oil tanks. Have septic systems pumped and inspected regularly, and test underground fuel oil tanks for leaks. If possible, replace them with above-ground tanks.

Finally, consider implementing regulations and restrictions to protect groundwater. This could include specifying which pesticides can be used in well-head areas and prohibiting certain activities near vulnerable groundwater sources, such as landfills, gasoline stations, or large confined animal operations.

Frequently asked questions