City of Barrie provides tips for protecting Lake Simcoe and drinking water

The City of Barrie is reminding residents of simple ways they can help keep Lake Simcoe clean this summer. In Barrie, our drinking water comes from both Lake Simcoe and local groundwater sources. Protecting these sources from contamination helps preserve the quality and safety of the city’s drinking water.

“The best way to ensure we have safe drinking water now and in the future is to protect it at its source,” said Stephanie Mack, Director of Waste Management and Environment. “Small actions can make a big difference. We all have a role in keeping Lake Simcoe clean and protecting our drinking water.”

There are simple, everyday actions residents can take this summer to help protect the city’s sources of drinking water:

• Visit the car wash instead of washing your car in your driveway. Car washes are required to treat wastewater before it enters the sewer.
• Fuel up your boat on land or at a marina where spill response materials are readily available.
• Use compost instead of fertilizer. If you do use fertilizer, use it sparingly, especially near water sources or before heavy rainfall.
• Drain water from your pool or hot tub across your lawn on a dry, sunny day so that it soaks into the ground and avoids flowing to the storm sewer. Avoid adding chemicals to your pool or hot tub for two weeks before draining.
• When enjoying Barrie’s beaches and parks, please help keep these shared spaces clean by disposing of litter properly. To help protect our lake and shoreline, do not leave garbage on the ground or near the water.