Embracing Faith Through Advocacy – National Water Safety Month

By Katie Beckmann, Communications Manager

This week’s “Embracing Faith” article will focus on Embracing Faith through Advocacy.

Many people take their drinking water for granted.

Each day, we assume that we are guaranteed clean water whenever we want it and there isn’t a need to focus on how we can care for our tap water and protect the source of it.

After the crisis in Flint, where negligent treatment and testing of the city water supply resulted in significant water quality and health issues for residents (1), as well as the water shortage crisis in Cape Town, we can’t help but realize that clean drinking water is not a guarantee, and we need to do what we can to protect it.

Many organizations are dedicated to addressing this issue, but one in particular that stands out is the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

For over 40 years, AWWA has taken significant action to help raise awareness and focus on “the vital role drinking water plays in daily lives, as well as how water consumers can take personal responsibility in caring for their tap water and protecting it at its source.” (2)

The efforts of AWWA and other organizations have especially been highlighted during the past few weeks because May is National Water Safety Month and Drinking Water Week was observed from May 5th – May 11th.

You can help support the efforts of the AWWA and other organizations by:

· Raising awareness about #CleanWater and #WaterQuality on social media or in your local media outlets

· Participate in a community clean-up

· Inaugurate an Adopt-a-Hydrant program

· Create a presentation about clean drinking water for local schools to share with their students and engage the youth

It is important to observe National Water Safety Month and educate the public about their water supply, as well as how we need to make an effort to help provide clean and safe drinking water to everyone. (3)