Keep Livingston’s Water Supply Safe: 6 Easy Ways To Help

LIVINGSTON, NJ — There are six ways that Livingston residents can help to keep the town’s water supply safe and clean for all, officials say.

On Thursday, Livingston municipal officials issued an advisory about ways that residents can help to reduce the pollution impacts of stormwater runoff.

According to the township:

“Stormwater is rain or melted snow that is either absorbed into the soil or runs off through storm drains and into local bodies of water, like lakes, rivers, and streams. In developed areas with more roads, rooftops, and other impervious surfaces, stormwater produces a greater amount of runoff, which flows into storm drains and sewer systems at a faster rate.”

“If not managed properly, runoff that exceeds the system’s capacity can cause flooding and pollution,” asserted Livingston Township Engineer Jeannette Harduby. “It can contaminate our drinking water, and damage local habitats and infrastructure.”

Less absorption into the soil also means lowered groundwater levels, and low groundwater levels can lead to droughts, Harduby said.

Residents have more control over reducing stormwater pollution than they may think. Here are a few easy ways that Livingston residents can help protect their water system:

• Keep sewer grates cleared off. Don’t dispose of leaves, trash, motor oil, pet waste, or any other items in the street or in stormwater catch basins/sewer grates. Blocked catch basins keep water from draining properly and pollute the water that drains.
• Plant shrubs in the spring. Shrubs and trees help to prevent excess runoff by increasing soil absorption and decreasing erosion. They also require less fertilizer than grass, which lowers pollution levels.
• Clean up after your pet. Animal waste pollutes the water that flows into our rivers and lakes.
• Don’t litter. Trash left on the ground can block drainage and cause pollution in bodies of water.
• If you live near a stream, don’t obstruct the water flow. Be sure to leave trash, leaves, branches, and other items on the curb to be collected—not blocking the stream, which can cause flooding.
• Take your car to a car wash instead of washing it in your driveway. When you wash your car on the pavement, soap, oil, and anything on your car can run into the storm drain.

For more tips on controlling stormwater runoff at home, visit www.cleanwaternj.org. For more about stormwater management in Livingston, visit www.livingstonnj.org.

Photo: Flickr Commons

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