Protecting Water Sources Inside and Outside Your Home
Winter is here! Ensuring our aquifers, rivers and lakes do not become contaminated with chemicals is essential to keeping our drinking water systems healthy and safe. Below you will find ways to prevent water damage over the winter months, as well as ways to protect our source water this season.
Prepare Your Pipes
Pipes that are located in outdoor areas or cold indoor spaces like the garage and attic, should be insulated with fiber glass and heat cabling to ensure they do not freeze over the winter. Also, pipes are usually hidden, be sure to open drawers and doors leading to pipes to allow for heat to get to circulate them. When leaving the house for an extended period of time, be sure to shut off the water to prevent pipes from cracking or causing damage.
Rain Barrel Winterization
Before winter, your rain barrel should be emptied and rinsed out with a garden hose. Remove the spigot and disconnect all hoses so that no water can get in over the winter. Water expands when it freezes and even the slightest bit could crack your rain barrel. Consider placing your hose and the spigot in the barrel for safe storage and ensure your rain barrel is stored properly so it will not be damaged during the cold months.
Salt Alternatives
Road salt is essential for keeping our roads safe, but they also contain chemicals that can be unsafe and dangerous to our drinking water systems. In order to prevent this, consider shoveling often between snowfalls to reduce the use of salt. Do not shovel snow into sewers or waterways and consider redirecting your downspouts to stop ice from forming on walkways near your home. Lastly, be sure to store your salt in a safe, dry place to keep it from washing away. For more information on road salt and alternatives to use, visit https://smartaboutsalt.com/.