DENVER, CO, May 10, 2013 -- As Drinking Water Week concludes, the American Water Works Association joins water professionals across North America in urging consumers to evaluate how they currently value, use and access water, and how to protect it into the future.
North America's water systems are critical to maintaining public health, economic vitality, fire protection and quality of life. However, current trends in population, economic growth, energy, climate and pollution affect water usage and the critical infrastructure the system needs to function properly.
"We all agree that water is an essential element in our daily lives, but for North Americans, water service is a convenience that we too often take for granted until an issue like a main break or boil water notice occurs," says AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance. "We need to be aware of those issues now and protect against them for the future."
As our systems' aging pipes are replaced over the next 25 years, addressing this issue may be costly but it's not insurmountable. Facing it head-on by proactively investing in our water systems now is a smart, safe, common sense investment that will pay off for generations to come.
Additional information about water quality and drinking water safety is available at DrinkTap.org.
About Drinking Water Week
For more than 35 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 to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Additional information about Drinking Water Week, including free materials for download, is available on the Drinking Water Week web page.
About AWWA
Founded in 1881, the American Water Works Association is an international, nonprofit, scientific and educational association committed to the safety and improvement of water quality and supply. Focusing its work in four strategic areas, Knowledge Creation and Exchange, Leadership and Advocacy, Member Engagement and Development, and Organizational Stewardship, AWWA unites the full spectrum of the water community to advance water management, education and science and to advocate for smart water policies.
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