Residential Activities and Impact on our Groundwater Supply

Prepared by Paul Granger, P.E.

        Many people think of groundwater contamination as a problem caused solely by commercial and industrial activity. This is simply not true. The activities of the average homeowner can also have a detrimental impact on our water supply as well. Gasoline, motor oil, paint, solvents, pesticides, cleaners and other common household chemicals when improperly disposed of can result in the pollution of the drinking water supply. Household chemical compounds, if dumped on the ground, will percolate into the soil and can eventually reach the groundwater table. Once in contact with the groundwater, the contamination will spread out, resulting in a pollution plume. Natural groundwater flow and the influence of pumping will cause the plume to travel. Because of the slow movement of groundwater, it may take many years before a contaminant that is dumped on the ground will impact a deep water supply well.

        The proper selection, storage and use of household and garden products are  the primary measures that can be taken to prevent contamination. Chemicals must be kept in well ventilated cool dry locations. All chemicals must also be sealed in clearly labeled original leak proof containers. Spills must always be quickly contained, cleaned (or neutralized) and properly disposed of. Always apply an amount of pesticides and fertilizers in accordance with the manufacturer’s label instructions. Over application of lawn chemicals causes high concentrations to leach into the groundwater. The soil and plants simply need what the manufacturer specifies. Purchasing the proper amount of chemicals to complete the specific job will also minimize the amount to be disposed of later on.

        Using more chemicals than necessary will cause more harm to the environment than good. Always use common sense and become familiar with the chemical product to determine the impact of use. Ask the question “Is the product suitable for the application ?”, and always follow the label directions for use and disposal. Homeowners should always look for alternative “non” or less hazardous  products for performing the job. For example, a water based product may be less hazardous and perform the same job as a solvent based product.

        The use of natural organic products should always be considered as viable choices for lawn and garden maintenance. Nitrate pollution can be prevented by using recommended amounts of slow release fertilizer instead of fast release fertilizer. Organic fertilizers are excellent because they break down slowly and release small quantities of nitrates. Cotton seed meal, bone meal and manure are examples of organic fertilizers. Consumers should also choose biodegradable insecticides and fungicides. These biodegradable chemicals break down into harmless substances in 2 to 21 days depending upon chemical composition.

        Homeowners must understand that proper disposal of household chemicals is vital to groundwater protection. Septic tanks and municipal wastewater treatment systems are not designed to treat and neutralize the wide variety of commonly used household chemicals. Many chemicals disposed of through a septic system will pass untreated directly into the underlying soil and into the groundwater system. Furthermore, damage to wastewater  treatment plant microbes, vital to normal wastewater treatment can occur, thus adversely impacting performance of the system. Community hazardous waste collection programs or “S.T.O.P.” (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) programs are designed to provide homeowners with a safe, environmentally sound method of disposing  of many hazardous chemicals found in the average home.  The proper disposal of household chemicals by the average homeowner will make a significant contribution to the protection of our precious groundwater supply. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their local Town and Village sanitation department for more information on local community  hazardous waste collection programs.

        The improper storage, use or disposal of yard and garden chemicals and other hazardous household products are not the only threat to our water supply. Underground or aboveground home heating fuel oil tanks can also pose a serious  threat. A typical residential storage tank will hold 275 to 550 gallons of home heating oil. Underground tanks, which cannot be visually inspected, are typical culprits  of hidden and unsuspected oil leaks. A typical single-walled steel tank has an approximate life expectancy of 25 years. Many homes on Long Island are more than 25 years old. It is prudent for the homeowner to periodically visually inspect aboveground tanks and piping for leaks.  Studies have indicated that underground tanks over 15 years old have a  greater chance of leaking. Therefore, underground tanks and piping should be tested on a regular basis for leaks. Homeowners can also monitor for leaks by tracking heating oil use and tank levels on a regular basis. Replacement of an old single wall steel tank,  with a new aboveground or double walled underground tank is a proactive option rather than paying for costly testing or fuel leak clean-up. Homeowners ultimately bear the financial and legal responsibility for tank leaks. Many standard homeowner policies generally do not cover the expenses associated with clean-up.

        Spills resulting from the overfill of a home heating fuel oil tank can be another source of contamination. Close supervision and monitoring of tank level is critical for avoiding spills. To reduce the chance of spills homeowners should consider installing a vent whistle or tank level gauge. Placing a containment box or structure around the tank and / or fill line is another simple spill prevention measure.

        The proper disposal of motor oil from cars is vital to the protection of our drinking water source. Motor oil cannot be dumped on the ground or poured down the drain or sewer. Disposing of motor oil with the household garbage is not advised since it can leak out during transportation and at the landfill. The aforementioned improper disposal activities will result in groundwater pollution. Waste oil must be collected in sturdy tightly sealed containers and transported to a recycling facility. Service stations which perform oil changes must accept waste oil for recycling according to New York State law. There is no fee for the service for up to 5 quarts of waste oil per month.  In addition residents are encouraged to contact their local sanitation department for more information on local waste oil collection and recycling programs.

Home Page  General Info  Water Quality  Conservation  Customer Service  News  Contact Us

This site built and maintained by Friendly Bytes Software,Inc. 2005