Now is a great time to start thinking about how you can get involved in drinking water protection in Marion County, Indiana and across the country this year. From individual actions, to advocacy and supporting non profits, there is something for everyone.
Drinking water in Marion County comes from both surface and groundwater sources. Surface water sources include lakes, rivers, and streams. Groundwater sources are below ground in areas you may not even know are rich in water.
It’s important to focus on protecting both sources, especially if you live or work in a Drinking Water Protection Area (See – Am I in a Drinking Water Protection Area?). Drinking Water Protection Areas contain wells that pull water from underground and send to treatment plants.
The more we protect our water resources, the better or environments – and our community’s pocket books!
At Home
There are many ways to conserve water and keep pollution off the ground at home. Easy measures to implement include more conscious use of landscaping chemicals and watering schedules, installing water saving fixtures, and properly disposing of your waste, especially during water recreation activities and by taking household chemicals to local ToxDrop events.
For more details and ideas see, “10 Ways to Protect Groundwater”.
In the Community
You can participate out in your community through many organizations that advocate for drinking water protection. As you participate, be sure to spread the word!
- Take surface water samples with the White River Alliance or Hoosier Riverwatch
- Participate in the annual Water Summit which tackles state and regional water planning
- Visit the MCWEC booth at Earth Day Indiana or the Pathway to Water Quality at the Indiana State Fair
- Run in the American Water Works Association annual 5K Water for People in downtown Indianapolis in August
- Check out the graphic resources provided by One Water Indiana and share with your friends, neighbors, and co-workers
At Your Business
Depending on the type of business you may have unique challenges to handling your waste. If your business is located in a drinking water protection area, you may have additional regulations and preventative measures to follow.
There are many ways to get help and understand these regulations. MCWEC offers free wellfield reviews for business to learn more about pollution prevention measures specific to their type of business. Additionally, you might be eligible for free secondary containment supplies.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management runs the free Compliance and Technical Assistance Program (CTAP). CTAP staff with experience in all environmental regulatory program areas provide confidential technical compliance assistance on a wide array of environmental topics.
Both CTAP and MCWEC are non-regulatory programs and confidential assistance is provided for free.
Whether you are a homeowner, an individual, or a business, make your plan to be involved in protecting our drinking water resources this year!
