DENVER, May 7, 2003 -- In conjunction with National Drinking Water Week, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) lauded the nation's water utilities for their efforts to remain vigilant in protecting the safety and quality of America's drinking water supply.
Drinking water utilities have responded to the heightened security threats by tightening perimeter security, limiting access to treatment plants and reservoirs, and conducting vulnerability assessments to determine where more improvements can be made.
"National Drinking Water Week reminds us of the essential role utilities play in protecting the nation's drinking water supply," said Jack Hoffbuhr, AWWA executive director. "Water utilities across the nation have spent considerable time and money safeguarding their systems from threats and keeping the water supply safe and secure."
AWWA estimates that nationally, approximately $1.6 billion is needed for costly security upgrades at utilities. In June, 2002, the federal Public Health, Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act was signed into law requiring all U.S. water utilities serving more than 3,300 people to conduct vulnerability assessments of local water treatment operations and develop security plans to ensure these systems are protected in the event of an act of terrorism or sabotage.
Find out more about drinking water and how you can help celebrate National Drinking Water Week in your community by visiting AWWA online.
AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of drinking water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the drinking water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.
