It's easy to take for granted easy access to safe water in our homes—something that more than 1 billion people in the world can't rely on. Every day, committed professionals who work for more than 52,000 community water systems provide water to 286 million consumers throughout the country. And during this time of escalating prices of everything from milk to gasoline, tap water is a great value.
So, this week, fill your own bottle with safe, affordable water from your tap. Also, learn more about your water system, including how you can help to protect your drinking water source from contamination.
This year, EPA Headquarters celebrates by participating in the Maryland/Delaware Children’s Water Festival on May 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Delaware Technical & Community College in Dover, Del. More than 1,500 4th and 5th grade students, teachers, chaperones and 500 volunteers will attend this free, hands-on learning experience. Kids will see live entertainment, stop in at the pit stop for a cool refreshing drink of water, jump into a giant bubble, build and eat their own edible aquifers and more.
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is also celebrating National Drinking Water Week. “Drinking Water Week provides a natural opportunity for all of us to pause and consider the immeasurable value that a safe, reliable water supply plays in our daily lives,” said Gary Zimmerman, AWWA executive director. “We have some of the highest quality water in the world and this week we can all celebrate that achievement and also remind ourselves not to take it for granted.”
To commemorate the occasion, water utilities across North America will join with their communities throughout the week to celebrate the benefits of tap water with fairs, programs, contests, public service announcements and other exciting events. As part of the festivities, water utilities will highlight the value of tap water service and the importance of conserving water resources. They will also provide their communities with important tips to help everyone play an active role in protecting our water supply.
Visit EPA's website at www.epa.gov/safewater and AWWA's website at www.awwa.org/Government/Content.cfm?ItemNumber=3862&&navItemNumber=3863 for more information about the national drinking water program and ideas for how to celebrate National Drinking Water Week.
Source: EPA, AWWA
