Waterscape - Gulf Islands

Keeping It Clean

Keeping water clean: it's just common sense

Doing it right - Protecting our water
  • Organic farming
  • Animals are fenced from creek
  • Manure pile is covered
  • Forest corridor protects creek
  • Runoff filtered by constructed wetland
  • Runoff filtered by constructed wetland
  • Paved surface contains spills
  • Treated lumber is covered
  • Abandoned well is filled and permanently sealed
  • Soil bacteria "clean" septic effluent
  • Septic field is maintained
  • Settling ponds and silt fences trap sediment
A good septic system is a maintained septic system. Make sure your septic tank is inspected and pumped regularly.
Doing it wrong - Degrading our water
  • Pesticide and herbicide spraying
  • Muddy storm runoff from land clearing and road building
  • Poorly maintained septic field
  • Heating oil tank leaks
  • Poorly maintained septic field fails
  • Abandoned well is unsealed
  • Fuel spill escapes
  • Animals in stream
  • Uncovered manure pile
Is your well safe?


How do islanders protect the quality of water supplies?
  • There are many ways. Most protection is just common sense. For example, I check my septic tank annually to ensure it is functioning properly. Failed septic fields are a major source of drinking water contamination on the islands.
Waterscapes: