Governor Proclaims May 1 Through 7 Drinking Water Week

Representatives of the New Jersey Section of the American Water Works Association (NJAWWA) visited the statehouse on May 5, 2005 to promote the importance of safe drinking water in New Jersey. During the visit, the group was presented with a proclamation, signed by Acting Governor, Richard Codey, officially acknowledging May 1 through 7 as "Water Week" and calling upon all New Jersey residents to practice wise water use and protect source waters from pollution.

NJAWWA members, including members from American Water, and one of its subsidiaries, New Jersey American Water, Middlesex Water Company, Trenton Water Works, and United Water New Jersey took the opportunity to speak with legislators about NJAWWA's role as the premiere organization in the State dedicated to preserving public health and welfare by insuring the highest quality drinking water.

NJAWWA Section Chair, John Hroncich, testified before the Assembly Environmental Committee on behalf of the Section on Senate Bill S-466, the Statewide Water Supply Plan. In his comments, Hroncich spoke out in support of the bill citing that it will "serve to elevate water resource issues, protect watersheds, thereby preserving ground and surface water quality, and insure the creation of a comprehensive water supply plan to meet the needs of all residents of New Jersey."

Hroncich called the legislation "good for the drinking water community, good for the environment, and good for the citizens of the state." Consideration of Senate Bill S-466 was specifically timed during Drinking Water Week, since a safe and adequate supply of drinking water is critical to the public health and the economic welfare of New Jersey's citizens.

Source: AWWA Public Information Committee