DENVER, CO, May 9, 2013 -- As Drinking Water Week 2013 continues, the American Water Works Association joins water professionals across North America in helping consumers learn more about how their water is monitored.
In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency protects drinking water quality through the administration of the Safe Drinking Water Act; for Canadians it's Health Canada that is responsible for the Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. In both countries, community water systems are required to monitor their drinking water multiple times per day to test for close to 100 contaminants and report any violations that may have occurred.
"In the U.S., our water providers must make water quality reports available to their customers every single year," said AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance. "If you have questions about your water, I strongly encourage you to go straight to the source to find the answers."
Owners of private wells should take special steps to assure the safety of their water as well by being aware of potential pollution threats, and to having their water tested periodically by a certified laboratory.
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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