Author: Rebekah Eastep

The American Water Works Association, askHRgreen.org and partners across the water community are celebrating Drinking Water Week (May 4 to May 11). This year, organizations are focused on spreading the word about the value of water and the critical role it plays in both our daily lives and our quality of life. Aligning with this year’s theme, here are five facts about Hampton Roads water that will help you know your H₂O.

 Did you know?

• Not everyone has access to water. Hampton Roads is blessed with a steady supply of clean water. But many states in the western US have been dealing with drought conditions for years. Furthermore, over a billion people across the world live without access to safe drinking water causing an estimated 3 million people to die from preventable waterborne disease each year.
• Our water comes from local waterways. Most drinking water in Hampton Roads comes from surface water like rivers, lakes and reservoirs so protecting local water quality helps protect your drinking water.
• Hampton Roads tap water is safe and healthy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires water utilities to routinely test drinking water for certain contaminants like bacteria, pesticides and heavy metals. Our water is continuously tested, and always meets or exceeds the EPA standards for safe drinking water.  
• TapIt Hampton Roads provides free access to tap water on the go. TapIt is a water bottle refilling network that allows you to fill your reusable bottle on the go. Simply take your reusable bottle into any TapIt location and fill it up with clean tap water for FREE!
• Tap water provides jobs in Hampton Roads. There are watershed inspectors and security personnel keeping a watchful eye on our waterways, licensed water treatment operators making sure the process runs smoothly, laboratory analysts testing water for safety, distribution crews ensuring water can get to your home, school, or office and all the wastewater treatment staff who sanitize the water you send down the drain.

Help us celebrate Drinking Water Week this Saturday, May 10th from 10 am to 4 pm at the Walmart Shopping Center in Newport News located at 12407 Jefferson Ave. You can talk to the askHRgreen experts about our public water systems, healthy drinking water, and protecting water quality and pickup some goodies to help your family use water wisely.