Most of us don’t stop to think about the importance of a safe and reliable water supply, but imagine what life would be like if drinking tap water meant putting yourself at risk for a serious (or even deadly) illness – or if the tap was dry.
National Drinking Water Week, sponsored by the American Water Works Association, is an annual observance that takes place this year May 2–8. The theme of the week, “Only Tap Water Delivers,” is a reminder of the many public health benefits provided by our tap water and the need to make sure that we maintain and improve our water system infrastructure so we can continue to enjoy safe water.
The United States is fortunate to have one of the best public water systems in the world. It allows us to drink from virtually any public tap with confidence. Not only do we enjoy the benefits of safe and healthy water from our tap, but we also feel confident that our water will be available for us whenever we need it.
Over the last 100 years, many steps have been taken to make sure the water we drink is clean and safe. Government agencies, water utility companies, and other organizations work together to ensure the integrity of our drinking water and address challenges to our water supply. These challenges include the fact that our drinking water infrastructure, which includes the pipes that bring water to our homes, is aging (up to 100 years old in some cases!) and needs to be upgraded or replaced. Cracked pipes, water main breaks, and other age-related infrastructure issues increase the risk for water contamination and can lead to boil water advisories. Other challenges include climate change impacts on water availability and quality, chemical and toxin contamination of water sources, and the development of new ways to obtain and use water.
And so, during this first week in May, let’s remember what it means in the United States to have a safe and reliable water supply. To learn more visit CDC’s Healthy Water Website and the CDC Feature on National Drinking Water Week.