Where Does Your Drinking Water Come From?

Feb 4

In the Town of Clinton, there is no municipal water system. Each household has its own dug or drilled private well to access groundwater in underground aquifers. Every resident is responsible for protecting our water. Check out what the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says about what you can do to protect our water.

Clinton is a small town with forests, meadows and winding roads. It's a natural and beautiful place to live. It is also a town in which each household has its own private well and septic system. There is no central town well, reservoir, or sewer system. With proper care, each of us can help insure that our most valuable resource, our water, remains clean and safe.

An understanding of the issues, a few simple do's and don'ts, and regular maintenance will help us safeguard our water supply. First and most importantly, we must realize that many things we do affect the quality and quantity not only of our own water, but potentially that of our neighbors. Every Clinton resident is responsible for protecting our water.

Each of us needs to remember to use our water responsibly and conservatively. Everything we put down our drains or use on our lawns, gardens and pastures impacts our water. With thoughtful usage, regular testing and careful maintenance of our wells and septic systems, we all can be valued stewards of our community and its resources.

What Is a Well?

A well is where your water comes from. Before a house can be built in Clinton a well is drilled, tested, and approved according to strict Department of Health guidelines. Health and property values are thus protected. Most Clinton wells tap into bedrock where water flows through fissures ni the rock. Since many of these fissures are interconnected, the way each of us cares for our wel can ultimately impact not only our own property, but everyone around us. Care and conservation of water is essential, today and in the future.

What You Can Do to Protect Our Water

Conserve - Use Less Water

Install water-saving appliances—shower heads, faucets, toilets, washing machines, etc.
Repair drips and leaks.
Water gardens and lawns only when necessary. Water in the early morning or early evening. One good soaking (30 minutes) is more beneficial than several short waterings.
Have your well water tested for bacteria once a year and have a comprehensive water test done every three years. Call the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) at 845-486-3404 or email them at HealthInfo@DutchessNY.gov for a list of certified testing labs.

Prevent Non-Point Source Pollution - Water Quality

Use organic fertilizers and weed and insect controls when needed.
Avoid pesticide use and chemical treatments of lawns and gardens. Excessively applied lawn chemicals will run off in a heavy rain and end up in streams and ponds, causing them to become overgrown with weeds or algae. Pesticide residues may dissolve in water and contaminate our groundwater, affecting the health of children, adults, pets, birds and fish.
If you have farm animals, treat their wastes properly. Plant a buffer zone of vegetation (as wide as possible, 10 feet is ideal) between manure storage and any wetland resource area to reduce runoff volume and speed.
Do not dispose of fertilizer, pesticides, cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, solvents, paints or paint thinner, waste oil, or other toxic chemicals by pouring them on or burying them in the ground, or by pouring them down storm drains.
Take hazardous waste to one of the Dutchess County's Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection Days.
Remove aging deteriorating fuel storage tanks.
Maintain your septic system.

Maintain Your Septic System

Have your septic system pumped regularly; every 2 to 3 years (or as needed) is recommended if the system is in good working order. Contact the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) at 845-486-3404 or email them at HealthInfo@DutchessNY.gov for a list of licensed septic haulers in our area.
Keep records of septic system maintenance, inspection and repairs.
Make a map of the location of your septic system components and be sure family members are aware of what is underground.
Never drive or park on any part of your system. Don't plant shrubs or trees over your system; roots may clog or damage your system.
Divert roof drains and surface water run-off away from your septic system.
Practice water conservation. Use water-saving showers, toilets and faucets.
Avoid using a garbage disposal.
Don't use commercial septic tank cleaning products. At best, these products are a harmless waste of money. At worst, they may harm your septic system. They are not an alternative for regular maintenance, which is cheaper in the long run.
Never pour pesticides, cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, undiluted chlorine bleach, solvents, paints or paint thinner, waste oil, gasoline, antifreeze, or other toxic materials down toilets or sinks. They kill the natural biological organisms that break down the solids. This causes the solids to build up and the wastes not to be treated completely. Improperly treated wastewater can clog your leaching field and cause it to fail. It can also enter and contaminate nearby water resources.
Do not pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. It will clog the soil and the leaching system.
Do not dispose of non-biodegradable items such as disposable diapers and plastics down the toilet. They do not decompose.
Be alert ot signs of a failing system such as the presence of wet areas above the leaching field and backing up of wastewater following periods of heavy water use.