DENVER, CO, May 6, 2011 -- As Drinking Water Week 2011 concludes, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) joins water professionals across North America in encouraging the protection of our precious source waters.
In the past year, media reports about trace amounts of various contaminants in drinking water have underscored the connection between what is released into the environment and what finds its way to our source water.
"We all have a role in protecting our water resources," said David LaFrance, AWWA Executive Director. "Elected leaders can work for smart public policy that protects source water. Agriculture operations and industry can take steps to reduce pollution in our waterways and aquifers. And we as consumers can properly dispose of products that are too often flushed into the wastewater system and out to the environment."
And consumers can do many things, including:
• Don't overuse pesticides or fertilizers as they can travel through runoff and soil and contaminate ground water.
• Dispose of used motor oil properly. One quart of motor oil can contaminate more than 250,000 gallons of water.
• Use detergents that are phosphate-free to save our lakes and streams.
• Join in a beach, stream, or wetlands cleanup project.
• Properly dispose of prescription medications and other products that are too often flushed into the wastewater system and out to the environment.
About Drinking Water Week
For more than 35 years, the American Water Works Association and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week -- a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives.
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