Residential/Municipal Management Options 

Everyday activities at our homes have the potential to be a significant source of pollutants to drinking water sources. Improper use, storage, and disposal of household chemicals including cleaners, vehicle maintenance products, pool chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers may impact the drinking water supply. Other potential contaminants from residential areas include nitrates and other waste products from septic systems or animals and petroleum products from heating oil tanks. Stormwater run-off or infiltration may carry contaminants to drinking water supply.

One of the most common ways of reducing the risk from residential areas is to contact owners and renters and encourage them to use voluntary actions for drinking water protection. Contact can be completed through:

Individual letters to land owners/operators
• Bill stuffers/customer mailings
• One-on-one contact
• Local media press releases (TV, radio, newspaper - either paid or Public Service Announcements)
• Educational meetings/workshops/fairs

A sample notification letter to residents and other land owners/operators of their location within your drinking water source area is available.

• Example Letter to Residents DOC

Best Management Practices Links

Best Management Practices are proven methods that reduce the risk to water quality for residents.

• Basic Tips for Keeping Drinking Water Clean and Safe PDF
• Groundwater Basics for Drinking Water Protection PDF
• What is Household Hazardous Waste? PDF
• Healthy Lawns, Healthy Families PDF
• Managing Septic Systems PDF
• Septic Tank Maintenance PDF
• Household Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal PDF
• Proper Care and Maintenance for Unregulated Tank Systems PDF
• Twelve Simple Things You Can Do to Protect Your Well (for private well owners) PDF

[print version]