Water is perhaps one of the most important things we use daily that we often take for granted. We expect there will be enough water to meet our needs, but we also expect safe, quality water. However, water quality is becoming a bigger issue as time goes by.
National Water Quality Month
Did you know that August is designated as National Water Quality Month? This is a topic that needs to be discussed and addressed all year long. But, having a specific month dedicated to water quality is a great way to increase awareness of water related issues around the world.
Even though the majority of the earth’s surface is covered with water, only about 3% of it is freshwater. And, only 1% of that is easily accessible. That means we need to take precious care of the water resources we have. Then, we can enjoy safe, quality water now and generations to come can do the same.
What Causes Water Quality Problems?
In most parts of the world, surface and groundwater pollution stems from these 4 main sources:
- Industrial dumping – Unfortunately, some manufacturing companies don’t follow strict policies regarding dumping of their industrial effluents. One example of this is industries with poor salt brine management practices. Companies that preserve food, desalinate water, or manufacture textiles often dump large amounts of brine water into our freshwater resources. This creates environmental salt pollution and impairs water quality.
- Agricultural practices – Fertilizers are often used for agricultural purposes to increase the yield of various crops. While this increases production, it also increases water pollution when runoff from farms carries those fertilizers into our freshwater sources.
- Wastewater leakage – While this may seem like a problem only in developing countries, it is still a concern in some parts of the United States. As wastewater treatment plants get older, their infrastructure deteriorates. Without proper maintenance and repairs, pipes carrying untreated wastewater can leak, leading to increased pollution and water quality issues.
- Residential chemical use – Pesticides and fertilizers used for gardening and lawn care … Residential water softeners dumping highly concentrated salt water into septic systems … There are many sources of water pollution at home. It’s important to remember that any product or chemical that is flushed down the drain or dumped outside can eventually make its way into our rivers, lakes, streams, and other water sources.
Prevent Water Contamination With the Salt Miner
One way to celebrate National Water Quality Month is to do what YOU can do to keep our water resources clean and pollution-free. That starts with being mindful of how your everyday activities affect water quality now and in the future.
The Salt Miner offers an eco-friendly solution that can help prevent salt pollution from residential and commercial water softeners. It also provides an effective brine management solution for industries using large amounts of saltwater. Installed between the salt source and the drain, the Salt Miner effectively ‘mines’ salt from the discharge water. The salt is collected and can be recycled or disposed of properly, keeping excess salt out of our freshwater resources.
Are you ready to be part of a water quality solution instead of adding to the problem? Contact us today and learn more about how the Salt Miner can help individuals and businesses protect our water resources for the future.
