On the Water: Where does your water go?

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On the Water: Where does your water go?
(Released June 24, 2010)



After we use water to drink, cook and clean, it goes to a wastewater treatment plant or a private septic system where it is treated before returning to the natural environment. Water we use to water lawns and wash cars, on the other hand, often goes straight into storm sewers or runs off the land into a wetland, lake or river. On its way, this water often picks up sediment, fertilizers and pesticides, and harmful chemicals.  There are many ways to prevent or reduce the amount of water that goes into the storm sewer or into a lake or river.

First, don’t over-water the lawn. Watering too much or too quickly will cause the water to run off instead of soaking into the soil.

Second, consider using a commercial car was. Commercial car washes use an average of two-thirds less water per car than washing a car at home. Commercial washes are also required by law to drain wastewater into sewer systems and many recycle and reuse rinse water.

There are also more permanent ways to reduce runoff. They include:       

1.  Reduce impervious surfaces like driveways, parking areas and walkways or use pervious materials that allow water to soak in. Gravel is not an impervious surface. Once gravel becomes compacted, surface water runs off of it just like a paved surface.       

2.  Divert water away from a storm sewer or lake, river or wetland by sloping paved surfaces so water flows to vegetated areas or rain gardens.

3.  Instead of straight paths, make winding paths to the water (lake, river or wetland) or the driveway to minimize direct runoff.

4.  Minimize lawns, because areas vegetated with long-rooted plants absorb more runoff than lawns.

Everything we do on the land impacts our waters. Learn how you can help at www.mndnr.gov