Division of Water
For Drinking Water Week: Consider its Value

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 10, 2006) – We could not live without water, and without safe drinking water, we would soon be ill.  During Drinking Water Week 2006, the Division of Water reminds everyone that a reliable water system is essential and valuable.

We have grown accustomed to turning on a faucet for a drink or throwing a load into the clothes washer without a second thought.  Drinking Water Week is a time to reflect upon the importance of our safe water supply and to recognize the thousands of dedicated professionals working to keep it that way.

Few people stop to consider what comes from their tap or how it is made safe for them. There are a number of threats to the sources of our drinking water.  Improperly disposed of chemicals, animal wastes, pesticides, even naturally occurring substances can contaminate drinking water sources.  Drinking water systems must treat the water to make it safe for us to use.

The immense value of water can be summarized in four areas:

• Public Health:  The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974, with subsequent amendments, was the first mandatory national program to protect public health through drinking water safety. The SDWA includes a requirement for EPA to establish standards (maximum contaminant levels, treatment techniques, monitoring) that public drinking water systems must adhere to in order for water to be safe.
• Quality of Life:  A safe water supply is critical for a successful, productive society with a vigorous quality of life.
• Economic Development:  A sustainable water supply is a prerequisite for successful residential communities and commercial enterprises.  Without a safe, reliable water system, economic development would not be possible.
• Fire Protection:  A public water system also offers an element of public safety.  It can provide enough water at the correct pressure to make fire protection possible.

Noting that our health, comfort and standard of living depend upon an abundant supply of safe drinking water and that citizens of our state should have a safe and dependable supply of water now and in the future, Governor Ernie Fletcher has proclaimed May 7-13 as Drinking Water Week and called upon each citizen to help protect our source water from pollution, to practice water conservation and to get involved in local water issues.

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