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Date:
Contact: |
May 3, 2004
Mark Williamson (willima@ci.akron.oh.us) |
Phone: 330-375-2538
Fax: 330-375-2335 |
| The American Water Works Association (AWWA),
the authoritative resource for safe drinking water, and its member utilities today kicked
off National Drinking Water Week. "National Drinking Water Week is a chance for
water utilities and the customers they serve to join together and celebrate the
immeasurable value of clean and safe water in our daily lives," said Jack Hoffbuhr,
AWWA executive director. "North America has some of the best water in the world, and
we all share the obligation to keep it that way."
Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic said today, "Akron’s drinking water is a valuable
resource not only to our community but to thousands of our neighbors. Our employees do a
remarkable job every day of providing safe, clean drinking water for our
communities."
The city has in its public utilities office lobby in the downtown CitiCenter building
an educational display and coloring pages for children interested in issues concerning
drinking water.
The theme of National Drinking Water Week -- The Wonder of Watersm -- serves
as a reminder of the importance water plays in our daily lives. Many utilities celebrate
by issuing proclamations or holding water festivals, poster contests, and other events
within their communities. AWWA resources can be found online at www.awwa.org/advocacy/dww/history.cfm.
Facts About Water
Of all the earth's water, 97% is salt water found in oceans and seas.
Only 1% of the earth's water is available for drinking water. Two percent is currently
frozen.
About two thirds of the human body is water. Some parts of the body contain more water
than others. For example, 70% of your skin is water.
There are more than 56,000 community water systems providing water to the public in the
United States.
Public water suppliers process 38 billion gallons of water per day for domestic and
public use.
Approximately 1 million miles of pipelines and aqueducts carry water in the United
States and Canada. That's enough to circle the earth 40 times.
About Drinking Water Week
For more than 30 years, local water providers and their communities have celebrated
Drinking Water Week. It is a time to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily
lives, to inform citizens about safe drinking water practices, and to provide tips on
water conservation and safety.
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. |
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