HHS HealthBeat (June 18, 2012)

Keeping water clean

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Nicholas Garlow with HHS HealthBeat.

It’s important that the water we use is safe.  Whether it comes from a tap, or a well, it needs to be free of chemicals and sewage.  Fifteen million households get their drinking water from private wells, which rely on ground water. It’s important that well owners test their own water once a year to make sure it’s safe.

At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Julia Gargano says those of us who get our water through water utilities can also help keep water safe, by not putting some things down the drain.

“You can help by not flushing household chemicals, pesticides, gasoline, pharmaceuticals, or other potentially harmful products down the toilet or down any drain in your house. In addition, if you have a septic system, maintain it so it doesn’t contaminate source water.” (16 seconds)

Learn more at healthfinder.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Nicholas Garlow.

Last revised: June 17, 2012