The City of Oak Harbor joins communities across North America in celebrating Drinking Water Week, an annual observance led by the American Water Works Association. On May 5-11 this year, Drinking Water Week highlights the importance of safe drinking water. It recognizes the tireless efforts of water professionals who keep it flowing around the clock in our communities.
The City is observing Drinking Water Week by highlighting drinking water information and the staff working to provide quality drinking water to our community on the City's Facebook page. This will include presenting a proclamation at the Tuesday, May 7, Council Meeting.
This year's celebration also coincides with a historic milestone – the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in the United States, a landmark law designed to safeguard the public by setting high drinking water quality standards. The SDWA provides a scientific framework to identify potential risks to drinking water and address them in partnership with states and water utilities.
"Drinking Water Week is the perfect time to reflect on all that safe drinking water means in our lives,” said AWWA CEO David LaFrance. “Safe, reliable drinking water is critical in many ways, including public health, economic prosperity, and our high quality of life. With the Safe Drinking Water Act anniversary, we also celebrate the committed water system workers, the vigilant regulators, the researchers, the public health professionals, the environmental advocates, and everyone with a hand in fulfilling the high standards and spirit of the SDWA."