Rainwater and runoff
Quebec is favored in terms of its availability of water, our blue gold. At least that's what we think.
Most residents of the Brome Lake watershed get their water from an artesian well. So what do we know about the amount of water in the water table? What do we know about its quality? We know very little and that is why we have to take care of it.
Several solutions are available to
ensure proper rainwater management
La majorité des résidents du bassin versant du lac Brome s’alimente en eau par un puits artésien. Alors que sait-on de la quantité d’eau qui se trouve dans la nappe phréatique? Que sait-on de sa qualité? Nous savons très peu et c’est pourquoi nous devons en prendre soin.
Disconnect downspouts from the sewer system
Install rain gardens
Collect rain water
Favor water infiltration into the ground
Rainwater recovering
According to Statistics Canada, in 2021, a person residing in Quebec used 527 liters of water per day. Quebecers are the biggest consumers of water in Canada! Of these 527 liters, 30% are dedicated to external use, i.e. washing the car, watering the garden and flower beds, etc. So why not recover this water with a rainwater recovering system? Eco-barrels can be found in any suitable materials center and hardware store. Some municipalities have subsidized programs for rain barrels. All you need is your downspout, a barrel, a few tools, and you're all set.
Planting a rain garden
is not rocket science.
These green infrastructures not only provide an aesthetic component to your property, they also absorb stormwater, thereby reducing the amount of runoff that goes into lake.
A rain garden
In some environments where the ground is mostly paved, a rain garden can reduce the amount of runoff and reduce the load on a municipality's stormwater network. Learn more about rain gardens.
Downspouts which are connected to the sewer system can overwhelm treatment plants and pumping stations, causing spills of grey water in our waterways. Read our alternatives to connected downspouts.
Rain garden
Ecohabitation offers a free guide for your garden design.
Ecological lawn care
Choose
the right mower
An important source of atmospheric pollution
Keep the blades
well sharpened
Sharpen the blade
regularly
Do not mow
too short
An ideal height
of 5 to 8 cm
Water
in depth
Abundantly
once a week
Maintain
a good pH
Avoid acidity
Top dress regularly
Choose “homemade” compost
What is a
beautiful lawn?
Consider white clover
Septic systems near watercourses
are a real potential source ofcontamination.
1682
Septic systems on
the territory of the
town of Brome-Lake
776
Septic systems in our watershed
409
Septic systems on
waterfront properties
1966
Facilities considered as harmful to the environment in Brome Lake
and its watershed
177
Non-compliant systems on water
propreties
Household products
Clean green
Whether you have a water service or a septic tank, household products can have harmful effects on the environment.
A product without impact on the environment does not exist. Nevertheless, green products have better results when it comes to air pollution. It is therefore recommended to opt for household products with environmental labels: European Ecolabel, Ecocert, nature and progress, and "sustainable cleaning".
Ban wipes because they generate a large volume of waste, as well as drain cleaners. Green products which can be very simple and economical, are also effective if they are used regularly and pose little risk to the environment: this is the case for baking soda, white vinegar, or black soap.
Medications
Do not throw medicine down the drain, toilet or garbage can
According to Health Canada: “When prescription or over-the-counter medications are thrown in the trash, down the sink or in the toilet, the chemical compounds can end up in the water supply or soil. The presence of these substances in the environment is becoming an issue of national and international importance. »
Cleaning
Pick up trash
One of the easiest ways to help the waters in your area is to clean up. Cleaning up your yard and ditch will have a direct positive impact on the health of the environment around you. Most land debris ends up in the water, so it's good to pick up trash anywhere in your neighborhood. It doesn't matter if you are near or far from a lake, river or beach.
