Earth Day serves as an important reminder of the role we all play in protecting the environment and preserving the natural resources, like water, that sustain our communities. For the Merchantville Pennsauken Water Commission, this year’s observance is even more significant as we’re simultaneously celebrating our 100th anniversary. We’re reflecting on a century of sustainable water management, which has allowed us to provide safe, clean and reliable water for those in our community.
From safe drinking water and sanitation to supporting local ecosystems and ecosystems, water is critical to daily life. This Earth Day, we’re taking closer look at how the MPWC safeguards your water, why conservation is important and how you can help protect this finite resource.
Why Water Matters on Earth Day
While the Earth contains vast amounts of water, only a small percentage is accessible freshwater. Protecting that supply is critical – not just for today, but for future generations. A healthy water system is the backbone of public health, environmental balance, economic growth and more.
At MPWC, we pull water from 14 wells in the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy Aquifer. This aquifer underlies much of the South Jersey area and provides water to a great number of New Jersey residents in Camden and Gloucester counties through a variety of water utility systems. While it is a massive aquifer, high usage throughout the 20th century has led to declining water levels – a reality we must consider as we plan for the future.
The Role of Water Utilities in Protecting the Environment
Behind every faucet is a complex water utility system designed to ensure water is safe, clean and reliable. At MPWC, our focus is water. We practice environmental stewardship by managing and maintaining these systems responsibly, with long-term sustainability in mind.
This includes:
- Treating water to meet or exceed strict quality standards outlined by the NJDEP and EPA.
- Continuous monitoring for safety and compliance.
- Maintaining and upgrading infrastructure to prevent service interruptions.
- Detecting and addressing leaks to reduce water loss within the system.
- Modernizing aging infrastructure to improve efficiency and address emerging contaminants.
While these efforts typically happen behind the scenes, they are essential to protecting both water quality and supply while minimizing environmental impact.
What You Can Do to Help
Protecting and conserving our water resources is a shared responsibility. Wise water use at home can make a significant cumulative impact, helping to reduce water and conserve our most precious resource.
Here are a few simple ways to make a difference on Earth Day and every day:
- Fix leaks in faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems.
- Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances.
- Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
- Limit unnecessary outdoor watering and avoid water waste.
- Be mindful of when you’re watering lawns and flowers – before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. in the summer helps avoid evaporation.
- Adhere to guidance on watering during drought conditions.
- Be mindful of water use during peak demand periods.
Water conservation works best when water utilities like MPWC and the community work together. Earth Day reminds us to value our water, protect it and use it wisely – not just once a year, but every day.
As the MPWC enters its second century of service, we remain your partners in conservation. By staying mindful of how we manage water today, we’re working to ensure it remains safe and accessible for the next 100 years and beyond.
