Water and Waste

BY PRISCILLA STEVENS

 

We hear the term "groundwater" frequently when we explore environmental issues. Groundwater is accumulated water under the earth's surface. It is replenished through surface water seeping from streams or lakes into the ground or through precipitation. We live in an urban area, and therefore we are at higher risk for increased groundwater pollution. If our soil is contaminated or surface runoff is polluted, the quality of the groundwater will be affected. The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District published in their Conservation Currents newsletter (July/August 2000) several ways we might help protect our groundwater:

  • Don't pour toxic or hazardous waste down the drain, into a toilet, on the ground, or into storm drains.
  • Properly dispose of litter and pet waste.
  • Don't dump anything into a sinkhole.
  • Don't use or store fertilizers, pesticides, gasoline or other toxic materials near streams, drainage areas or lakes.
  • Use porous materials such as flagstone, gravel, stone, or interlocking pavers rather than asphalt or concrete.
  • Conserve water in your home and landscape.

Certainly the above information makes good sense for us in Lake Barcroft as we responsibly act in community to protect our lake, and the water and waste that we send downstream. This information and the following, place emphasis on the importance of how our choices and lifestyle affects our environment.

The Human Ecologist Fall 2000 issue Lousie Kosta writes about the American Chemical Society meeting in March 2000. Researchers at that meeting reported that a wide variety of drugs and their metabolites are appearing in waterways in Europe. Apparently, the same may be true in the United States, but these chemicals are not monitored for on this side of "the pond". This is not the result of industrial pollution, but of consumer use. The EPA is quoted "Anything you put on your skin, anything you ingest, is eventually excreted and ends up in the sewage". A German scientist reported that his home tapwater (after treatment) contained several prescription lipid reducers, and prescription nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug. His research team found higher levels of synthetic musks (from perfume and scented products like detergent). These compounds can accumulate in the food chain, and their effects on wildlife are unknown.

Products containing lindane, which is commonly used for head lice, or scabies have their own side effects for our environment. According to information posted at www.safe2use.com, a single treatment of a lindane product pollutes 6 million gallons of water or the equivalent of 300 swimming pools. Lindane lasts a long time in the environment where it can contaminate the tissues of fish or other animals. The average cost to remove this product from one single application for head lice is $4,000. Europe has banned the use of lindane and the state of California is in the process of legislation to ban lindane.

These startling facts should encourage us to be concerned about our resources, to carefully select the products we use on our properties, our prescription drugs and other personal products, especially in light of the availability of least toxic alternatives. When we unnecessarily place toxic chemicals in our ecosystem for cosmetic purposes, we have to consider if it is really worth the risk of destroying our groundwater. We want to continue to trust that our drinking water comes to us is clean and safe for all to use. As well, we trust that the lake is clean and safe for recreational purposes. Perhaps we might consider the following:

How does water become waste? How do we participate this cycle? What can we do individually and as a community to protect our ground water from pollutants?