We are lucky to live in a place surrounded by fresh water. But beyond enjoying the landscape we live in, we also have the responsibility to protect it. The water we drink originates from a deep sandstone aquifer that naturally filters some pollutants. However, actions we take on the land affect the quality of our lakes and rivers, and eventually the groundwater supply as well. Keep this in mind as you clean up your car after the long winter. Here are a few suggestions to make your care maintenance less harmful to the environment:
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Wash your car on a grassy area so the water and detergents can soak through the soil before reaching the street gutters, and use a biodegradable detergent. Better yet, take your car to a commercial car wash where less water is used and the dirty water goes to a wastewater treatment plant where pollutants are removed.
- Never pour oil down the street gutter (which drains directly to streams and lakes) or pour it on the ground, since it may seep to the groundwater. Used oil can be reprocessed and reused, so take used oil from your car to a recycling center or take your car to an oil-changing business where they will recycle it for you.
- Antifreeze, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid can also pollute our water resources. Antifreeze in particular can be extremely poisonous. Never pour these fluids down the storm drain. Instead, check www.danecountycleanweep.com for a list of locations that will recycle them. Alternatively, change your fluids at a service station.
- Return car batteries to the places you bought them. State law requires retailers to accept them. Leaking battery acid can leach through the soil and pollute groundwater.
- Repair leaks in your car as soon as you notice them. Clean up car fluid stains on the driveway or street by using cat litter or other absorbent material and then sweep and dispose of it in a plastic bag in the garbage.
For more information and ideas on how to protect Madison’s water supply, visit www.enactwi.org. Check back here in two weeks for new tips from EnAct to help you step more lightly on the environment. EnAct, a program of Madison Environmental Group, Inc., encourages sustainable living and strengthens communities by creating Environmental Action Teams in neighborhoods, community organizations and workplaces. If you are interested in starting your own EnAct team, please contact us at enact@madisonenvironmental.com or (608) 204-2888.