News for Immediate Release
May 6, 2013
DEP Celebrates National Drinking Water Week, Reminds Pennsylvanians to Make Every Drop Count
Harrisburg – The Department of Environment Protection is celebrating National Drinking Water Week from May 5 to 11 by encouraging all Pennsylvanians to learn how to better protect and conserve their water.
“This
week, we renew our commitment to work with the state’s water quality
partners and ensure drinking water meets all federal and state
standards,” Acting DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. “With 11 million
Pennsylvanians using public water systems and two million using
individual household wells, Gov. Corbett is committed to water
protection efforts that are vital to ensuring the health of the public
and Pennsylvania’s economy.”
National
Drinking Water Week recognizes the importance of water source
protection and conservation; the fragility of Pennsylvania’s water
resources; and that cutting down on pollution and conserving water start
at home.
To keep pollution out of water sources, consider these steps:
- Appropriately use, store and dispose of household substances safely, rather than pouring them down the drain;
- Test private well water annually for bacteria contamination;
- Inspect household wells annually; and
- Move possible contamination sources, such as kennels or livestock operations, waste systems or chemical storage areas a safe distance from nearby wellheads.
To conserve Pennsylvania’s water sources:
- Install low-flow plumbing fixtures, such as on showerheads and faucets;
- Check for household leaks and monitor your water bill for high usage;
- Take short showers instead of baths;
- Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth;
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads;
- Install a rain barrel outside the house to collect rainwater and reuse it in daily household chores, such as watering the lawn or washing the car; and
- Wash your pets outdoors in areas of the lawn that need water.
To
learn more about what is in public drinking water, ask your water
provider for a copy of your system’s water quality report, or Consumer
Confidence Report. DEP also has an online Drinking Water Reporting
System where the general public can find information about their
systems.
This year marks the 39th
anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the main federal law that
ensures the quality of drinking water in the United States.
For more information about drinking water and to search the online Drinking Water Reporting System, visit www.dep.state.pa.us and click the “Drinking Water Week” banner at the top of the homepage.
Media Contact: Lisa Kasianowitz, 717-787-1323
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