Groundwater is essential to the health and well-being of humanity and the environment.
Here at G.A.L.A. we recognize its’ vital role and the responsibility we all should take in preserving it.
During this National Groundwater Awareness Week, learn more about what you can do at home to ensure your drinking water is safe as well as best practices for keeping harmful pollutants out of our watershed.
Many of you are familiar with our Sustain-A-Raiser Program (SAR) through either volunteering, collaborating as a partner or being a recipient of one of our eco-amenities. We appreciate that you value sustainable living and have a genuine concern for the health of our planet, thank you!
If you aren’t familiar with our SAR’s, you can learn more here. One of our featured eco-amenities is installing rain barrels. Why use a rain barrel? There are many reasons for harvesting your rain water, including conserving water, saving money and energy, and reducing pollution.
And what about pollution? Runoff pollution, also known as “nonpoint source pollution”, occurs when rainfall or snowmelt moves over and through the ground. While water runs from our homes and lawns, it picks up anything on the ground such as litter, excess fertilizer, pet waste, and motor oil and transports it to storm drains that do not treat the water before it enters our waterways. Rain barrels play an important role in protecting our water resources by collecting the storm water runoff from our homes before it reaches our local streams and rivers.
Rain barrels, are a free source of non-potable water that can be used as a substitute for town, municipal, and well water when performing a variety of household tasks like watering flowers or washing windows.
As for saving money and energy, consider this – electricity represents approximately 75 percent of the cost of municipal water processing and distribution. Similarly, nationwide, about 4 percent of US power generation is used for water supply and treatment (Dept. of Energy). On a smaller scale, by using a rain barrel you are also saving electricity at home by letting gravity to the work instead of your pump.
But maybe, just maybe, the most important reason to collect your rainwater is simply because it’s the frugal Yankee way!
If you are interested in having a free consultation for one of our people powered, sustainable, home and yard makeovers or want to partner/volunteer, contact us at (603) 539-6460 or via e-mail. We love building sustainable community, together!