The origins of the municipal water supplies in the United States are as diverse as the cities and communities that dependent on it. Changes in access and delivery of water service has occurred over time to maintain the quality and quantity of water needed by millions of Americans. Though the water bill is one of the lowest utility bills paid by a household*, we shouldn’t take this essential service for granted. Aging infrastructure and dwindling supplies can not be ignored.
For example, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than $335 billion in capital spending is needed nationwide by 2027 to replace aging water infrastructure and comply with stricter water quality standards, and the amount needed for our wastewater systems is even greater.
Ensuring the sustainable use of our drinking water resources is key. To do this, we must start by:
- understanding where our water comes from.
- being accountable, personally, for ways we can promote sustainable use and conservation of our drinking water resources.
- realizing the true value of water service and what it takes to treat, monitor and deliver it to customers.
- taking the steps necessary to ensure the upkeep of our nation’s water and wastewater systems.
To get a true picture of what’s involved with the treatment and delivery of your drinking water, contact your water service provider and ask them to visit your school or civic group to discuss specifics about your drinking water. They can provide you with information on your drinking water source, water quality, the water treatment process, conservation, watershed protection and more.
* For most American Water customers, a gallon of tap water is about a penny a gallon.