| Water infrastructure plays critical role in daily life during Drinking Water Week, every week
AWWA Articles

Water infrastructure plays critical role in daily life during Drinking Water Week, every week

This year’s Drinking Water Week provides the water sector an opportunity to draw attention to the critical infrastructure that transports water from collection to treatment to consumption to ensure drinking water is “There When You Need It.” The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and partners throughout North America are celebrating Drinking Water Week May 2-8 this year, recognizing the vital role tap water plays in daily life, the infrastructure that is required to carry it to and from homes and businesses, and the important and often unnoticed work of water professionals.

The U.S. Senate recently approved The Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021, which would reauthorize the state revolving loan funds (SRFs) for both water sectors and reauthorize the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Ace program (WIFIA). WIFIA is a program designed to accelerate investment in the country’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental loans for regionally nationally significant projects. The SRFs provide low-cost loans primarily for small to medium-sized projects.

Water systems play a critical part in their customers’ health, hygiene and hydration. More than a million miles of buried water pipes ensure reliable water is transported from collection, through the treatment process to their homes or businesses for cleaning, hydration and cooking, which are critical to our health and safety.

“Whether it is for health, hygiene or hydration, our tap water plays a critical role,” said CEO David LaFrance. “It is very important that water infrastructure plays a vital role in ensuring tap water is there when you need it for drinking, cooking or hygiene.”

To commemorate the week, water utilities, water organizations, government entities, environmental advocates, schools and others throughout North America and beyond will encourage consumers to learn more about the importance of water and water infrastructure, especially in times of crisis.

About Drinking Water Week
For several decades, AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week, a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in daily lives. Free materials for download and additional information about Drinking Water Week is available on the Drinking Water Week webpage.

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Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.

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