Our ground water is the sole source of drinking water on Nantucket. We have no alternatives or a water line from the mainland to rely on if our aquifer becomes contaminated. Because of this, Nantucket has been designated a sole source aquifer by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Help protect the health of our drinking water, ponds and harbors by making some of the following choices…
Have your septic system pumped every year to keep it in working order.
Minimize lawn size and/or consider using special lawn seed mixtures formulated for drought resistance and lower nitrogen requirements. If fertilizing the lawn, choose fertilizer containing slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen and limit the frequency of fertilization. Adhere to the new fertilizing application dates: Fertilize only from May 15th to October 15th.
When watering your garden or lawn, irrigate in the early morning to reduce evaporation.
Use non-toxic cleaners. For example, instead of toxic drain cleaners, try using boiling water, a plunger, or a metal snake to clean drains. Baking soda or vinegar mixed with warm water and elbow grease are useful ingredients for oven and general household cleaning.
Do not use weed killers to removed weeds from your driveway, try spraying vinegar on a very hot day on the weeds.
Dispose of paint, oil and pesticides at Nantucket’s household hazardous waste days.
Remember, what you throw away, does not really go away.