Homeowners can employ various strategies to protect ground water from contamination including changing waste disposal and storage practices, using nonhazardous products, and properly managing septic systems, underground storage tanks (USTs) and wells.

Waste Disposal

Do use and dispose of harmful materials properly. More importantly, limit use of such products and substitute a nonhazardous product when possible. When this is not possible, buy only as much as you need. Hazardous products used around the home include some oven cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, bleaches, rust removers, paints, solvents, polishers, carpet and furniture cleaners and glues. If you don't completely use up a hazardous product, give it to someone who needs it or take it to a hazardous waste or recycling center. Take advantage of household hazardous waste collection days if your community offers them.

If you must use pesticides and fertilizers on your lawn and garden, use them in moderation. Your county extension service can provide information on natural ways to control lawn, garden, and tree pests which can reduce reliance on chemicals.

Alternatives to Hazardous Cleaning Products

• Whenever possible, use cleaning products that will not harm the environment. Look for "environmentally friendly" products at the market. Many household products such as shampoo and baby ointment contain zinc. Paints and solvents may contain lead.
• Make your your own household cleaning solutions from nonhazardous materials such as vinegar, pure soap, baking soda, washing soda, borax and household ammonia.

• Try this recipe for an all-purpose cleaner:

  1 gallon hot water

  1/4 cup household ammonia

  1/4 cup vinegar

  1 tablespoon baking soda

• Clean household drains with hot water mixed with a half cup of baking soda.
• Instead of using pesticides on house plants and your garden, try the following:

  pulling weeds by hand pulling off and disposing of infected leaves picking off larvae rotating garden crops to control soil-borne diseases and maintain soil nutrients using a registered soap solution such as a Safer brand product to kill aphids use biological control (ladybugs or other predators)

Septic Systems

• If your system consists of a cesspool, consider replacing it with a septic system.
• If you replace or install a septic system, find out what the state and local requirements are for locating the system relative to water supply wells.
• If soil in your area is sandy or gravelly, discuss with your system designer how to increase the separation distances to account for the rapid ground water flow.
• Minimize the amount of water entering your septic system; for example, try spacing loads of laundry throughout the week instead of all in one day.
• Minimize the amount of hazardous household chemicals that find their way into your septic system.
• Connect to municipal sewer service, if available.

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

• Become aware of the existence and condition of USTs on your property. Property records, your own, or those maintained at the town clerk's office, may contain information on the age and construction material of any tanks on your property.
• Have your tank tested for thickness to determine if it is leaking.
• If your UST is more than 20 years old, consider removing it, replacing it, or properly abandoning it in place, according to state requirements.
• To ensure your UST does not contaminate a source of drinking water, remove it and replace it with an exposed tank than can be easily inspected for cracks or leaks.
• If you keep your existing UST, install corrosion protection, spill prevention, and leak detection equipment.

Floor and Stormwater Drains

Some homes have floor drains in the garage or basement which may lead to disposal systems that then discharge into the ground. Wash water and other types of waste fluids could enter the ground, particularly during vehicle maintenance activities, such as washing a car, changing oil, or making repairs. Residential storm drains also provide a conduit and are subject to receiving the same types of wastes. Use less water during vehicle maintenance and avoid spilling, pouring or washing automotive and other waste fluids down garage floor or community storm drains.

Wells

• If you are replacing a well, hire a contractor who follows proper well abandonment procedures for the old well. Contact your local health department for a list of water well contractors who are members of the state or national associations of ground water contractors.
• Consider the locations of nearby septic systems, USTs, and above ground tanks storing fuel, oil or chemicals when having a drinking water well installed. The well should be located as far as possible from all potential sources of contamination. The well should be located on the highest suitable ground with surface drainage directed away form the well site.
• Periodically inspect the well casing and seal to make sure there are no cracks or opening through which insects, plant debris, or other material can enter the well.
• Perform periodic chemical analysis of the water to identify the presence of chemicals.
• Keep up to date records of well installation, repairs, pumping tests, and water quality tests. The records can help identify changes in the water supply, contamination of the water source, or deterioration of the water system.
• Properly plug and abandon old wells. Such wells are a direct conduit to ground water for wastes. If used as an injection well, abandoned wells are subject to UIC regulation.

For more information, see the Household Waste Management software program at http://www.epa.gov/seahome/housewaste/src/title.htm

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