"There When You Need It"

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assured consumers that drinking water was safe to use as normal.  The consistent and reliable quality of drinking water is at the heart of the theme for this year's Drinking Water Week, "There When You Need It" which will be held May 3-9 of this year.  

Eastern Pines Water Corporation (EPWC) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) will observe Drinking Water Week by recognizing the vital role tap water plays in daily life, the infrastructure that is required to carry it to and from homes and businesses, and the important work of water professionals "behind the scenes."

We are fortunate to have reliable access to safe water when we turn on the tap.  In large part, this stems from the regular testing EPWC is subject to ensure that regulatory standards for water quality are met.  Every water system must publish a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which details its water quality.  

"Shortly after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic, the EPA and CDC each reminded us that we should trust our tap water as we normally would for hygiene and hydration," said AWWA CEO David LaFrance.  "This proved to be extremely important because handwashing is an important way to stop the spread of the virus.  We couldn't do that without high-quality drinking water."

To commemorate the week, water utilities, water organizations, government entities, environmental advocates, schools, and other stakeholders throughout North America and beyond will encourage consumers to understand and appreciate their drinking water.

For more than 40 years, AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week, a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in daily lives.