Drinking Water Week 2007: What does tap water really deliver?

DENVER,CO, May 10, 2007 -- During Drinking Water Week, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) reminds water consumers that a reliable water supply provides critical support for our economy and the overall quality of life we enjoy. What you may not know about the true value your tap water delivers:

• Water is the primary ingredient in hundreds of thousands of everyday products, including many foods and beverages, as well as items such as toothpastes and perfumes.
• Water is needed in the manufacturing of many products. For example, approximately 300 million gallons of water are needed to produce a single day's supply of U.S. newsprint.
• Total water use (both indoor and outdoor) in a typical single-family home is 101 gallons per capita per day.
• Only 3 percent of the tap water we use on a typical day is used for drinking. The rest goes for outdoor watering, bathroom uses, clothes washing, etc.

Only tap water delivers support for the economy and the overall quality of life we enjoy. To find out more about what your tap water delivers, visit www.onlytapwaterdelivers.org.

About Drinking Water Week
The importance of water is too often overlooked. For more than 30 years, AWWA 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 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 on Drinking Water Week, visit http://www.awwa.org/advocacy/dww/.

AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of 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 entire water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.

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