Ways to Keep Our Water Clean: You Should Do it Now!

Ways to Keep Our Water Clean: Practical Steps You Can Take Now

Freshwater is one of our most important shared resources. We use it for drinking, cooking, cleaning, gardening, farming, manufacturing, and supporting the natural places around us. When rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater are polluted, the impact can extend to homes, communities, wildlife, and local economies.

Keeping water clean is not only the responsibility of government agencies or water utilities. Everyday household choices also matter. What we pour down the drain, how we care for our yards, how we dispose of waste, and how we use water all affect the larger water cycle.

The good news is that many of the most effective steps are simple. This guide explains practical ways to help protect local waterways, reduce runoff, conserve water, and make more informed decisions about the water your family uses every day.

Why Clean Water Matters

The Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, helped establish a stronger national framework for protecting waters in the United States. It focused on reducing pollution, improving water quality, and supporting healthier rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Since then, public awareness of water quality has grown. Many communities now understand that waterways are connected. Storm drains, lawns, streets, farms, construction sites, septic systems, and household plumbing can all influence what eventually reaches rivers, lakes, groundwater, and coastal areas.

Clean water supports:

• Household drinking water sources
• Healthy rivers, lakes, and wetlands
• Fish and wildlife habitat
• Farming and food production
• Recreation such as swimming, boating, and fishing
• Local businesses and community development

Protecting water quality begins with understanding how our daily actions connect to the environment around us.

How Pollution Reaches Water Sources

Water pollution does not always come from one large source. In many communities, it comes from many smaller sources that add up over time.

Rainwater can carry oil, fertilizer, pesticides, pet waste, litter, soil, and other materials from streets and yards into storm drains. In many areas, storm drains discharge directly to nearby streams, rivers, lakes, or coastal waters without the same treatment applied to household wastewater.

Groundwater can also be affected by land use, septic systems, leaking storage tanks, agricultural activity, and improper chemical disposal. Because water systems are connected, small choices at home can make a meaningful difference.

1. Use Safer Cleaning Products

Many household cleaning products eventually go down the drain. Choosing products with safer ingredients can reduce the chemical load entering wastewater systems and the broader environment.

Look for cleaning products that are biodegradable, phosphate-free, and clearly labeled for environmental responsibility. The EPA Safer Choice label can also help shoppers identify products that meet specific ingredient criteria.

You can also reduce unnecessary chemical use by cleaning with simple options such as vinegar, baking soda, mild soap, and reusable cloths when appropriate for the surface.

2. Conserve Water at Home

Using less water helps reduce pressure on water supplies, sewer systems, and treatment facilities. It can also lower household utility bills.

Simple ways to conserve water include:

• Fixing leaky faucets and running toilets
• Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth
• Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads
• Installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
• Taking shorter showers
• Using water-efficient appliances when replacing older models

Water conservation is especially important in areas affected by drought, population growth, or aging infrastructure.

3. Reduce Runoff From Your Yard

Yard runoff can carry soil, fertilizer, pesticides, leaves, grass clippings, and other materials into storm drains. Reducing runoff helps protect local waterways and can also improve the health of your landscape.

Consider these practical steps:

• Use mulch to reduce erosion.
• Direct downspouts toward planted areas instead of pavement.
• Plant native grasses, shrubs, and trees.
• Use rain gardens where appropriate.
• Choose permeable pavers or gravel for outdoor surfaces when possible.
• Sweep driveways and walkways instead of washing debris into the street.

Native plants are often a smart choice because they are adapted to local conditions and may require less watering, fertilizer, and maintenance.

4. Protect Natural Vegetation Near Water

Trees, shrubs, grasses, wetlands, and other natural areas help filter runoff before it reaches waterways. Vegetation can slow moving water, reduce erosion, trap sediment, and provide habitat for wildlife.

If you live near a stream, pond, lake, or drainage area, keeping a natural buffer of vegetation can help protect the water. Even a small strip of native plants can be more helpful than bare soil or closely cut grass.

5. Learn Where Your Water Comes From

Many people think of water as something that simply comes from the kitchen faucet. In reality, drinking water usually begins as groundwater, river water, lake water, or reservoir water before it is treated and delivered to homes.

Learning about your local water source can help you understand the issues that matter most in your area. Start by checking your local water utility’s annual water quality report, often called a Consumer Confidence Report.

If you use a private well, regular testing is especially important because private well owners are usually responsible for monitoring their own water quality.

6. Compost Yard Waste

Grass clippings, leaves, and other yard waste should not be swept into storm drains or nearby waterways. When too much organic material enters streams or lakes, it can contribute to nutrient imbalance and lower water quality as it breaks down.

Composting is a better option. It keeps yard waste out of drainage systems and creates useful material for gardens and landscaping.

To reduce runoff from yard waste:

• Compost leaves and grass clippings.
• Keep yard waste away from storm drains.
• Use covered bins when possible.
• Avoid piling leaves near curbs before heavy rain.

7. Dispose of Hazardous Materials Properly

Paint, motor oil, solvents, pesticides, batteries, pool chemicals, and other hazardous materials should never be poured down drains, dumped on the ground, or placed where rain can wash them away.

Contact your local city or county waste department to find household hazardous waste collection events or drop-off locations.

Also, avoid flushing unused medications. Many communities offer medication take-back programs through pharmacies, police departments, or local public health offices.

8. Pick Up After Pets

Pet waste left on sidewalks, lawns, or trails can wash into storm drains when it rains. This can add nutrients and other unwanted materials to local waterways.

Cleaning up after pets is a small habit with a real environmental benefit. Carry bags during walks, dispose of waste properly, and encourage others in your neighborhood to do the same.

9. Do Not Litter

Litter often travels farther than people think. Trash dropped on a street can be carried by wind or rain into storm drains, streams, rivers, and eventually larger bodies of water.

Plastic wrappers, bottles, cigarette butts, fishing line, and other debris can harm wildlife and degrade local waterways. Always dispose of trash properly, recycle when possible, and secure garbage bins to prevent waste from blowing away. 

10. Join or Organize a Local Cleanup

Community cleanups are a direct way to help keep trash out of waterways. Many cities, schools, churches, environmental groups, and neighborhood organizations host cleanup events along rivers, beaches, parks, and roadsides.

These events are also a good way to teach children how litter moves through the environment and why water protection matters.

11. Clean Boats and Outdoor Gear Responsibly

If you move boats, kayaks, trailers, fishing gear, or other equipment between bodies of water, clean and dry them properly. This can help reduce the spread of invasive plants and animals that may disrupt local ecosystems.

A simple routine can help:

• Drain water from boats and equipment.
• Remove visible plants, mud, or debris.
• Wash equipment where appropriate.
• Allow gear to dry before using it in another body of water.

12. Garden With Water Quality in Mind

Gardens and lawns can either protect water quality or contribute to runoff, depending on how they are managed.

Water your garden early in the morning or later in the evening to reduce evaporation. Avoid watering sidewalks, driveways, or streets. Use mulch, compost, and native plants to support healthier soil and reduce the need for frequent watering.

Use fertilizers and pest-control products carefully. More is not better. Follow label instructions, avoid applying products before heavy rain, and choose lower-impact options when possible.

13. Reduce Chemical Use Outdoors

Lawn chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides can wash into storm drains and waterways. Even when used legally, they should be applied carefully and only when needed.

To reduce chemical runoff:

• Test soil before applying fertilizer.
• Use the smallest effective amount.
• Choose slow-release or organic options when appropriate.
• Avoid application before rain.
• Keep products away from driveways, sidewalks, and drains.

Healthy soil, native plants, and smart watering practices can often reduce the need for chemical lawn care.

14. Keep Wetlands and Natural Areas Intact

Wetlands act like natural sponges. They help absorb water, reduce flooding, trap sediment, and support wildlife habitat. When wetlands are filled, drained, or damaged, nearby waterways can become more vulnerable to pollution and runoff.

If your property includes or borders a wetland, stream, pond, or drainage area, check local rules before making changes. Protecting these areas can support both water quality and neighborhood resilience during storms.

15. Prevent Oil and Vehicle Fluid Leaks

Oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and other vehicle fluids can wash from driveways and streets into storm drains. Regular vehicle maintenance helps prevent leaks and protects local water quality.

If you notice stains under your car, have the leak checked. Use drip pans when needed, clean spills promptly with absorbent material, and dispose of used oil or fluids at approved recycling or collection sites.

16. Report Chemical Dumping or Serious Spills

If you see someone dumping chemicals, oil, paint, or other harmful materials into a storm drain, ditch, stream, or lake, report it to the appropriate local authority. Many cities have stormwater hotlines or environmental reporting systems.

Quick reporting can help limit damage and prevent repeated problems.

17. Choose Food With Water in Mind

Food production affects water use and water quality. Farming practices, fertilizer use, livestock management, transportation, and packaging all have environmental impacts.

You do not need to change everything overnight. Small choices can still help:

• Buy local produce when practical.
• Reduce food waste.
• Choose foods grown with responsible farming practices.
• Support farms that protect soil and water resources.
• Include more plant-based meals if it fits your household.

Reducing food waste is especially important because every wasted meal also represents wasted water, energy, labor, and transportation.

18. Get Involved in Community Planning

Local planning decisions affect water quality. Roads, parking lots, housing developments, drainage systems, parks, and industrial areas all influence runoff and water demand.

You can make a difference by attending community meetings, supporting green infrastructure, encouraging tree planting, and asking local leaders to consider water quality in development decisions.

Examples of community-level solutions include:

• Rain gardens and bioswales
• Tree canopy protection
• Permeable pavement
• Stormwater retention areas
• Streambank restoration
• Public education programs

19. Test Your Water When Appropriate

Water quality testing can provide useful information, especially for households using private wells, older plumbing, or water from areas with known local concerns.

Testing may help identify issues such as:

• Mineral content
• pH
• Nitrates
• Lead or other metals
• Sediment or turbidity
• Other substances relevant to your local area

If you receive municipal water, review your local Consumer Confidence Report. If you use a private well, contact your county health department or a certified laboratory for recommended testing schedules.

20. Use Home Filtration for Everyday Drinking Water

Protecting rivers, lakes, and groundwater is a community responsibility. At home, many families also choose point-of-use filtration for the water they drink and use for coffee, tea, and cooking.

A countertop gravity-fed filtration system can be a practical option for households that want filtered water without the need for plumbing installation. Berkey water filter systems are designed for everyday countertop use and can help improve the taste and quality of drinking water, depending on the filter elements used. 

Popular options include:

• Travel Berkey® Water Filter for smaller households or limited countertop space
• Big Berkey® Water Filter for regular household use
• Royal Berkey® Water Filter for larger daily water needs
• Berkey Fluoride Filters PF-2 for fluoride reduction with compatible systems using Black Berkey® Elements
• Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements for compatible Berkey systems

Home filtration does not replace the need to protect water sources, maintain infrastructure, or follow local water guidance. It simply gives households an additional way to manage the water they use every day.

Related Articles

• A Guide to Water Conservation
• All About the Water Cycle
• Everything You Need to Know About Wastewater
• Source Water Protection
• Properties and Measurements of Water

Final Thoughts

Keeping water clean starts with awareness. Every household decision, from choosing cleaning products to fixing leaks, properly disposing of waste, and reducing runoff, can help protect local water sources. 

Clean waterways are not created by a single action. They are protected by many people making better choices over time. By caring for your home, yard, neighborhood, and drinking water habits, you can play a meaningful role in protecting water for your family and your community.