Communities prepare for National Drinking Water Week
May 2-8 is National Drinking Water Week 2010, an annual celebration of the world’s most precious natural resource, according to the Denver-based American Water Works Association (AWWA), which has sponsored the event for 35 years. The theme for the week is “Only Tap Water Delivers,” and during the week participating communities will offer educational events on drinking water quality, water safety and conservation, and the importance of water infrastructure.
To commemorate Drinking Water Week, water utilities, environmental advocates and others will celebrate drinking water through school events, public presentations and community festivals. They also will provide their communities with tips for protecting the nation’s water supplies and conserving resources. “Drinking Water Week is an opportunity for North Americans to think about what water means to each of us,” AWWA President Craig Woolard said in a statement. “A safe, reliable water supply is critical to the success of any community. It creates jobs, supports business and investment, and provides for the health and welfare of citizens in ways ranging from disease prevention to fire suppression.”
To help protect water sources from contamination, AWWA offers these tips:
• Don’t overuse pesticides or fertilizers because they can travel through runoff and soil, and contaminate ground water.
• Dispose of used motor oil properly. One quart of motor oil can contaminate more than 250,000 gallons of water.
• Use detergents that are phosphate-free.
• Join in a beach, stream or wetlands cleanup project.
• Properly dispose of prescription medications and other products that are too often flushed down the toilet, into the wastewater system and out to the environment.
• Consult with your local health department for information on proper disposal in your community.
Download more information on National Drinking Water Week 2010.