Property owners who live in the Wellhead Protection Area can help protect drinking water sources by using road salt and chemicals wisely. Protecting our municipal water supply is easier and more important than you think. You can help protect drinking water supply in your own home by following these guidelines:
Tips for Safe Storage and Use: Pesticides, Fertilizers, and Household Chemicals:
[icon name=icon-list-alt float=”left” jump=”no”] Read the label before purchasing any chemical. Understand the correct use, and the dangers posed by the chemical.
[icon name=icon-user float=”left” jump=”no”] Choose the least dangerous product that will do the job, especially if children are present.
[icon name=icon-lock float=”left” jump=”no”] Lock chemicals in a cabinet out of the reach of children.Children are curious, inventive and good climbers.
[icon name=icon-refresh float=”left” jump=”no”] Seal chemicals in their original containers.
[icon name=icon-bitbucket float=”left” jump=”no”]Do not reuse empty containers or repack product indifferent containers.
[icon name=icon-warning-sign float=”left” jump=”no”]Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Handle with extreme caution.
[icon name=hb-moon-glasses float=”left” jump=”no”]Use recommended protective equipment: gloves, safety goggles, trousers and long-sleeved shirts are a minimum.
[icon name=hb-moon-fan float=”left” jump=”no”]Ensure adequate ventilation.
[icon name=hb-moon-brain float=”left” jump=”no”]Stop using chemicals immediately if you notice any reaction: skin rash, headache, breathing problems, nausea, eye or nose irritation, etc.
[icon name=hb-moon-cancel float=”left” jump=”no”]Do not mix chemicals.
[icon name=hb-moon-lab float=”left” jump=”no”]Do not prepare more chemical than you need for the job.
[icon name=hb-moon-droplet-3 float=”left” jump=”no”]Do not pour chemicals down the drain, the toilet or the gutter.
[icon name=icon-check-sign float=”left” jump=”no”]Dispose of household hazardous waste, including fertilizer and pesticide containers, through your local municipality’s pick-up or drop-off program, or by visiting www.makethedrop.ca for a listing of local businesses that will accept hazardous waste products.
Road Salt
The application of road salt is an identified potential threat to the water supply. You can help reduce the risk of this potential threat through a few simple measures:
- Prevent future icy buildups.
a. Redirect downspouts away from walkways and your driveway.
b. Shovel unsalted snow to lower areas or onto lawns to help direct melt water away from paved areas. - Shovel first.
Start by removing snow and ice by shoveling. You will need less salt and it is a more effective means of removal. Start shoveling early in a storm, this makes keeping up to additional snowfall easier. This could completely eliminate the need for salt. - For patches of ice.
a. Use kitty litter or sand to improve traction and reduce the potential for slipping.
b. Apply de-icing material on icy areas only, and take note of the manufacturer’s instructions on working temperatures and application rates.
c. Give de-icing material time to do its work.