Water is important to life. Without useable and drinkable water we would not be able to live. Unfortunately, we have been amiss with our water quality in the past and today we are paying the price. Do you feel that the water from your tap is safe to drink? Many cities and states have invested billions of dollars into water treatment centers just to monitor and maybe improve the quality of your water. However, water quality does not start and rest with your local government, it starts with you.
Protecting your water quality starts in your yard, line your yard with plants that are native to your area. Remember the water cycle you learned about during science class? Rain water comes down and filters through the soil in your yard. Plants slow the rainwater filtering through your soil which allows more pollutants to be pulled from the water and a higher quality water is able to collect in the underground water table. The roots of the plants hold more top soil as well. Bare top soil is washed away during rain storms and pollutes the water table with sediment.
If you want to control pests in your yard, try integrated pest management before you resort to chemical pesticides. Integrated pest management is an organized method to control unwanted pests in your yard or garden. You should weed the area and remove bugs either with garlic or soap. Remove the dead leaves from your garden and yard as well and you remove the ability for many pests to thrive in the cold dampness of dead plant matter. If you have a large pest problem you can counteract the infestation with natural enemies such as helpful insects or bacteria that feed on the pests you are trying to remove.
In some cases you may need to resort to a chemical pesticide and if you take some precautions with the chemicals you can and will protect your water quality. If you have tried everything else and have determined you need to use a chemical pesticide, look for a product that is non-toxic or find the least-toxic product you can afford. Always follow the directions for the product completely and only use the amount you need. Start with a light application and apply it only to the effected areas. You will be able to protect your water quality by resisting the urge to over spray your entire yard.
Keeping your plants healthy and your yard in good shape, is a great way to protect your water quality. If you check your plants for pests and problems on a regular basis, you will not need to resort to harsh chemicals to cure a pest problem. You may also need to relax and accept the fact that some weeds will grow in your yard and you do not need to kill each plant with a heavy dosage of chemicals. Keep the soil in your yard healthy and your water quality will improve. Testing and protecting water quality starts in everyone yards.
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