AWWA Celebrates Successful Drinking Water Week

Thanks to everyone who helped celebrate Drinking Water Week 2009! We often take water supply for granted until it is threatened, either by drought, water main breaks, or some other event. For more than 30 years, the American Water Works Association 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. Join us in celebrating what Only Tap Water Delivers that no other water can. Information on H1N1 Flu and Drinking Water Media across the country continue to issue warnings about a potential outbreak of H1N1 Flu in North America, along with tips with for individuals who might be traveling or think they might have come into contact with the flu virus.  Much of this information also focuses on how to prevent the spread of the disease.  With that in mind,  the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a statement regarding tranmission and drinking water: "Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. Current drinking water treatment regulations provide a high degree of protection from viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of the novel H1N1 flu virus to conventional drinking water treatment processes. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels typically used in drinking water treatment are adequate to inactivate highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 would also be similarly inactivated by chlorination. To date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated drinking water." The CDC has created multiple sites with information on symptoms, traveling other topics regarding H1N1 flu.  Below are a few sites that offer information and contact numbers for anyone who thinks they might have been infected. CDC Key Facts About H1N1 Influenza CDC Advisory on Travel Precautions  Related: Article on influenza and drinking water from the Australian Research Center for Water Quality and Treatment National Academies of Science Talk Drinking Water The National Academies of Science recently released a new booklet called Drinking Water: Understanding the Science and Policy behind a Critical Resource.   The booklet, which is available online, discusses where our drinking water comes from, and how it is treated before it reaches your tap.   According to the site, the United States is fortunate to enjoy sophisticated public drinking water systems that provide clean, reliable water—a resource critical to our health and quality of life. The National Academies created this educational booklet to provide an introduction to the basics of drinking water. For more information, please visit the National Academies of Science Water Information Center.  Infrastructure takes center stage Liquid Assets is a public media and outreach initiative that seeks to inform the nation about the critical role that our water infrastructure plays in protecting public health and promoting economic prosperity. The documentary, which is airing on PBS stations throughout the United States, explores the history, engineering, and political and economic challenges of our water infrastructure, and engages communities in local discussion about public water and wastewater issues.  The documentary and its air times are highlighted on our new blog.   If it has not aired in your city, or you missed the first airing, please contact your local PBS station and encourage them to show it either for the first or second time. You can learn more about air times here.  Former Centers for Disease Control Director Dr. Julie Gerberding talks about water and public health

Bottled and Tap: Is one healthier than the other?

There is no shortage of news stories these days on the merits of tap water and bottled water from a  variety of different perspectives. The truth is, while tap water and bottled water are regulated differently, both are generally safe, healthy choices. But only tap water delivers public health protection, fire protection, support for the economy and the overall quality of life we enjoy.

That's why it's important to remember that whatever you choose drink, the water systems generations before handed down to us need constant attention to keep safe water flowing through our communities every day.

 Find out more about what only tap water delivers.

For more information about bottled water, click here.

Drinking Water Treatment with Monochloramine

Find Your Water Utility

Looking for information about your local water utility? Find it here!

If you cannot find your utility, please let us know, at dmueller@awwa.org.