Aug 1, 2024

August is National Water Quality Month, a time to celebrate the County's commitment to providing quality water

Hillsborough County Water Resources celebrates Water Quality Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the importance of clean, safe, and reliable drinking water for all residents. This month-long celebration highlights the County's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality tap water and the extensive efforts behind ensuring its safety.

The County delivers over 78 million gallons of drinking water daily to nearly 716,000 people. In 2023, the County's team collected approximately 7,739 water samples and performed 33,200 tests on the drinking water. These rigorous testing protocols are part of the County's proactive measures to maintain water quality and safeguard public health. Hillsborough County residents can always learn more about their water and its quality in the yearly Water Quality Reports.

National Water Quality Month was established in 2005 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and backed by the United Nations to promote discussion about how to conserve natural water sources. The hope is to start conversations on what individual households and communities can do to ensure that there is access to safe, clean drinking water for generations to come.

The importance of water quality

Water is essential to all forms of life. We rely on it for drinking, cooking, bathing, and recreational activities. Clean water is also crucial for agriculture, industry, and maintaining the health of ecosystems. However, the quality of our water can be threatened by pollution and improper waste management.

It is important to remember that water sources are not just for humans, but also for the other inhabitants of these ecosystems- whether it be the fish that live in the waters or the plants and animals that rely on lakes and rivers for water just like we do. Considering the little things that could have negative effects on water quality makes a difference. There are thousands of factors that can have a negative impact on the quality of local water sources, ranging from industrial pollutants like metal particulate, oils, and other chemicals to pesticides that are used in backyards.

Things you can do at home to protect your water

• Wash your car at a car wash: Even though it might cost more than washing your car at home, taking your car to a car wash saves water and prevents toxic chemicals from being flushed down your storm drains that eventually empty into lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans. Professional car washes are legally required to drain into sewer systems so that the water can be treated before being re-used.
• Pick up after your pet: Animal waste is full of nitrogen, which can remove oxygen from the water leaving it completely unusable for aquatic life
• Don't hose down your driveway, use a broom
• Don't use fertilizer made with phosphorus: After heavy rainfall or watering, these chemicals can leak into nearby groundwater sources. Try using organic materials or waiting for drier weather if you absolutely need to use lawn care products.
• Do not flush expired or unwanted medication down the toilet: These products have toxic chemicals that should not be flushed down the drain
• Learn how to properly dispose of leftover paint: Even house paint thrown in the trash can impact local water