AWWA members, communities ramp up for Drinking Water Week 2024 May 2, 2024Connections Article, Publications American Water Works Association (AWWA) members are raising awareness about the importance of clean and safe drinking water during the May 5-11 celebration of the annual Drinking Water Week. From coast to coast, water utilities, government agencies, communities, schools and AWWA Sections are planning engaging and diverse activities to educate consumers about water and the professionals who ensure its protection and reliability. A small sample of communities hosting upcoming Drinking Water Week events includes: Grants Pass, Oregon: The City of Grants Pass is inviting young artists to capture their appreciation for drinking water through its annual poster contest. The 2024 theme encourages creative visualizations of the vital role water plays in our lives. Lenexa, Kansas: WaterOne is hosting its annual Tower 2 Tower 5K to kick off Drinking Water Week and raise funds for Water For People, an international non-profit dedicated to expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Cleveland, Ohio: Cleveland Water will open the doors of its Garrett A. Morgan Water Treatment Plant for its annual Drinking Water Week Open House, offering the public behind-the-scenes tours and educational opportunities. Zeeland, Michigan: The Zeeland Board of Public Works water department is holding a student writing contest and encouraging students (grades 4-12) to write a short essay answering the question, “Why is safe water important to our community?” Winners will be announced during Drinking Water Week. Princeton, New Jersey: In celebration of Drinking Water Week, Princeton University Library will host a six-session workshop series exploring local water resources, land-use history and drinking water sources. Led by Emily Wild, Chemistry, Geosciences and Environmental Studies Librarian, the series will utilize materials focused on natural resource and water-use cycle interactions. “Our Tower 2 Tower 5K brings our community together to celebrate tap water,” said Kelly Fry, communications manager with WaterOne. “It's a unique event that uses our infrastructure, the two water towers, as a landmark, while elevating our profile and creating an opportunity to engage with the people we serve. We're fortunate to have award-winning water, and this race helps us share that appreciation while raising funds for those who need it most.” For campaign materials, resources and downloadable assets for this year’s campaign, visit AWWA’s Drinking Water Week materials page. For more information about Drinking Water Week, visit the Drinking Water Week page. Questions can be directed to Megan McDowell in AWWA’s Communications Department.