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Environmental Stewardship for Coastal Homeowners |
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If
you drink water, it comes from a well or spring (groundwater sources) or a river
or lake (surface water sources). Drinking water in North Carolina is generally
safe, but it can become polluted if we are not careful and it's not just drinking
water. All water sources need to be protected. Many of the things we do in our
homes and on our farms can pollute our water and the environment. Poorly maintained
or designed septic systems and stormwater runoff from our homes and animal waste
systems can pollute surface and groundwater. Pesticides, fertilizers, fuels,
and cleaning products can contaminate our water when they are not stored and
handled properly.
It is nearly impossible to get pollutants out of water once they get there.
Expensive treatments, closures of bodies of water, or new wells would be required
to get safe drinking water again. Clearly, it is much more effective to keep
pollutants out of water than to try to clean it up afterward.
People
who have their own wells or springs for drinking water need to be especially
aware of pollution sources because their water is not tested for contaminants
as is city water. This is called wellhead protection and involves careful attention
to the activities near your well to be sure the water remains safe. However,
everyone is responsible for protecting drinking water supplies, whether it is
their own or their neighbors'.
The North Carolina Home*A*Syst/Farm*A*Syst/Coast*A*Syst
programs have a series of publications that can help you be a good
environmental steward and also protect the health and well-being of your
family. These publications lead you through an evaluation of your home and
property to determine pollution and health risks. If there is a problem or a
potential problem, the Home*A*Syst/Farm*A*Syst/Coast*A*Syst publications have
information about how to solve the problems. The publications also list the
North Carolina state agencies responsible for helping you solve your
particular problem.
The goal of the North Carolina Home*A*Syst/Farm*A*Syst/Coast*A*Syst program is to help protect the health of you and your family and the environment of North Carolina. |
North Carolina Coast*A*Syst
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Additional
information on stormwater management can be found at the:
http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/stormwater. Real estate professionals, homeowners, and elected officials can learn more about stormwater best management practices that can be implemented to reduce pollutants entering water sources through stormwater runoff. |
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| Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. | |
