The tap is turned on and water pours out. It’s that simple. You can be sure that your money is safe, plentiful, and affordable. drinking waterThis is one our nation’s most important resources, and something many of us take as a given.
What if the water didn’t come out of the tap? Or if it made you sick?
Although pouring water seems easy, there are many steps involved in ensuring its quality and availability. Water utilities have comprehensive water management plans in place to ensure adequate drinking water. These plans include reclamation, conservation and reuse as well as sourcing strategies.
The water that utilities provide is treated to eliminate harmful micro-organisms. This treatment usually involves clarification (to remove dirt, other particles), filtering (to remove even more particles) and disinfection to kill most viruses. The water is then piped to commercial and residential customers.
Drinking water utilities are committed protecting public health. They monitor and evaluate their water treatment methods to ensure that they maintain its quality. Part of this is due in part to the changing regulations that regularly alter water quality standards. They may also be required to follow other regulations to ensure that the drinking water meets or exceeds local community standards.
They might also try to get rid of trace compounds that aren’t currently regulated or to improve the water’s aesthetic quality.
These services are performed by drinking water utilities, which manage costs and minimize environmental impacts. They also aim to keep drinking water affordable. Water utilities and others invest over $12 million annually in the Water Research Foundation. This funding supports research that helps water utilities, public agencies, and other professionals provide safe and affordable water for the public.
Next time you get a glass of water, be mindful of the investment and dedication that went into making it a quality water source.
For more information, please visit www.waterrf.org.
