Protecting Your Water from Source to Tap

Changing Household Habits

Contributing to Water Pollution at Home

Many people may be contributing to water pollution in North Carolina without even realizing it. The good news is that everyone can help maintain the quality of our water. Reviewing this checklist may help to bring awareness to situations that might exist in your home!

Chances are, after reading the checklist (PDF), you may realize that some common items and activities at your home may contribute to water pollution. There are some specific actions you can take at your home to help.

What You Can Do to Help Prevent Pollution at Home

Use and dispose of harmful materials properly. Do not dump hazardous waste on the ground. It can contaminate the soil, which can also contaminate the groundwater nearby surface water. Products used at home contain hazardous or toxic substances that can contaminate ground or surface water, such as:

• Leftover Paints Household Cleaners
• Pesticides Flea Collars
• Unused Medications
• Used Motor Oil Mothballs

These can travel through the soil and contaminate groundwater. If you feel you must use these chemicals, please remember to use them in moderation and dispose of properly. Unused medications may be returned to your pharmacy, or to the City of Clinton Police Department's Medication Drop. Household hazardous waste may be disposed of at the City's Household Hazardous Waste Day (PDF). Please check the City's web calendar for dates of this event, or contact us at 910-299-4905, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Wellhead Protection

The City of Clinton has implemented a Local Wellhead Protection Program Plan to protect its water supply from contamination. These Wellhead Protection Programs can beneficially educate and involve the community in preventing groundwater contamination for the protection of the public water supply (PDF) and public health, as well as protecting the future of our water source and preventing potentially costly remediations. 

As a part of the program, we have identified the vulnerable areas around our well sites called the "Wellhead Protection Areas". Chemicals and other pollutants spilled or dumped in these areas can be drawn into the wells, possibly contaminating our community's drinking water supply. Residents and businesses in these areas must be very careful with chemicals and other pollutants. Please help us to preserve our water quality for our current and future needs.

Wellhead Protection Areas

With the help of the North Carolina Rural Water Association, The City of Clinton Environmental Affairs Advisory Board and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the City has designated Wellhead Protection Areas for each of its public drinking water wells. Through public outreach, and implementation of best management practices, the City has added an extra level of safety and protection for our precious drinking water sources.

Please read on how local gas/service stations (PDF) and agricultural fertilizer use (PDF) can be managed under the Wellhead Protection Program Plan.