DENVER, CO, May 7, 2007 -- The American Water Works Association (AWWA), the authoritative resource on safe water, kicked off Drinking Water Week today, a celebration across North America of drinking water.
A safe, reliable water supply is critical to the success of any community. It creates jobs, attracts industry and investment, and provides for the health and welfare of citizens in ways ranging from disease prevention to fire suppression. To highlight these benefits of water systems, AWWA and its member utilities are celebrating what Only Tap Water Delivers:
• Public health protection
• Fire protection
• Support for the economy
• Quality of life
For more information about what your tap water delivers, visit www.drinktap.org.
Utility celebrations from across the U.S.
In Houston, TX, approximately 2,000 students will be learning about water-related environmental issues at the City of Houston's 14th annual Water Festival, where the Mayor will proclaim May as Water Conservation Awareness Month. Festival attendees will explore more than 50 interactive exhibits and participate in a Water Festival Scavenger Hunt. The City will also unveil plans for The WaterWorks: Houston Water Museum + Education Center, opening Fall 2008.
Cambridge, MA, will hold open houses and tours at their water purification treatment plant for their customers. The Water Department also will offer for students: hay rides, scavenger hunts, treatment plant tours and an obstacle course race through tools and equipment that maintain the water distribution system.
Additionally, a group from the New Jersey Section of AWWA visited the Today Show this morning to stand in the crowd wearing Only Tap Water Delivers T-Shirts.
About Drinking Water Week
The importance of water is too often overlooked. For more than 30 years, the American Water Works Association has celebrated Drinking Water Week with its members - a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the consumers they serve to join together to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. During the first full week in May, utilities, their communities and other groups across the country celebrate our most precious natural resource with fairs, programs, contests and other exciting events. For more information about Drinking Water Week, visit www.awwa.org/dww.
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