Environmental Justice

Water:


How to get Involved?


 

There’s so much to do!

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Contributing to better and safer water is easy, but it does take a conscious effort.  We need to understand which of our behaviors put water at risk and what we can do to change them.  The individual is a powerful actor in this situation and changes at home can make for big changes in the environment.  

 

Where to start...?  There are so many actions you can take immediately to protect water and reduce water pollution in Salt Lake City.  Get involved now by incorporating some or all of the following suggestions into your daily routine - it’s easy and makes a big difference!

 

 

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Get involved...

Contributing to better water quality is easier than you might think...  In fact, below are five things you can start doing today to protect water in Salt Lake City.

 

1) Dispose Chemical Waste Properly

Whether you’re dealing with motor oil, batteries, paint, bleach, or expired medications, never dump them down the drain or in storm gutters.  All of them contain dangerous chemicals that can make their way into our water supply if not disposed of properly.

2) Keep Storm Drains Free of Debris

Storm drains are not connected to treatment plants.  Thus, it is important that we keep gutters free of litter, yard trimmings, and other waste material that might clog or pollute drains.  Similarly, don’t hose down the driveway; instead, sweep it and put your collections in the garbage.

3) Don’t Over-Water the Lawn

It’s important for conservation but also important that excess water doesn’t wash fertilizers or waste down storm drains where they access water supplies.  Similarly, avoid using fertilizers and pesticides whenever possible.

4) Don’t Litter, Pick it Up

Small amounts of contaminants spread over the land add up and contribute to water pollution-the same can be said for pet waste.  Pick it up and put it in the trash for the sake of our rivers and groundwater.

5) Keep the Yard Free of Object that Hold Water

Standing water accumulates while breeding harmful bacteria and attracting pests.  Keep objects like buckets, trashcans, plastic sheeting, flowerpot bottoms, tires, and wheelbarrows stowed or turned over when not in use.

 

Participate in the Jordan River Cleanup!

Are you concerned about the cleanliness of the areas along the Jordan River?  So are many other residents in Rose Park.  Join the River cleanup!

 

-Rose Park Revival -Jordan River Cleanup

 

Looking for More Ways to Do Something?

Here are just a couple more links to useful lists of things you can do to keep water in Salt Lake City clean with very little effort.


-US EPA - Do’s and Don’ts Around the House 

-US EPA - More Do’s and Don’ts Around the House 

-City of Bremerton, WA - Water Pollution Facts 

 

Where can I safely dispose household chemicals? 

This includes electronics, paint, fluorescent light bulbs, oil, gasoline, antifreeze, batteries, and propane.  Contact:


-Salt Lake Valley Landfill

6030 West 1300 South

801.541.4078

Mon.-Sat. 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

 

-Trans-Jordan Landfill

10832 South 7200 West

801.569.8994

Mon.-Sat. 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

 

Where do I find tips for watering my lawn?

You don’t need to water your lawn every day if you’re doing so at the proper times.  Follow the links below to find tips on using less water outside the house to keep less water from flowing into our storm drains.

 

-Utah’s Weekly Lawn Watering Guide 

-Water Wise Utah - Be Water Wise Outdoors 

-Utah State Division of Water Resources - Lawn Watering Guide