Few things are as crucial to human life as water. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), just one American household uses an average of 300 gallons of water per day. From household consumption to agricultural needs, clean water access across the country is a significant component of both healthy human life and mandatory environmental conditions.
During the month of August, we celebrate National Water Quality Month to bring awareness to the importance of safe water across the globe. To better understand the meaning and history of National Water Quality Month, as well as the noted importance of waterworks professionals during this time, just keep reading.
What Is National Water Quality Month?
Although water covers 70% of the earth’s surface, only a mere 3% of it is safe, accessible fresh water for human consumption. During National Water Quality Month, we focus on how critical these clean water sources are for human use, as well as for the ecosystems that thrive in these locations.
Through water treatment technology and dedicated waterworks professionals, humans can tap into freshwater sources for a variety of purposes. Yet, before this water reaches the average household, it can endure negative impacts by humans, including a wide range of pollution.
From large-scale industrial work to simple pesticide treatments, daily human activity can significantly affect the same ecosystems we rely on for fresh water. By spreading the message about how humans can impact freshwater supplies, National Water Quality Month promotes knowledge on how to better conserve our precious natural water sources.
How Did National Water Quality Month Begin?
Although National Water Quality Month was established in 2005 by the EPA and the United Nations, the origins of the event date back to the early 1970s. After discovering the consequence of freshwater pollution issues, the federal government made it illegal to dispose of toxic materials in bodies of water with the Clean Water Act of 1972.
While the Clean Water Act established fundamental groundwork toward securing safe water sources for human consumption, the government realized the U.S. required more regulation to help keep water sources safe. In 1974, the Safe Drinking Water Act was passed to protect the quality of drinking water. Over time, this law has been updated to include in-depth, health-related standards that public water system operators must comply with nationwide.
Recognizing Waterworks Professionals During National Water Quality Month
Although everyone must play their part in maintaining safe water during National Water Quality Month and beyond, waterworks professionals are the ones who play a key role in this process. Whether a household plumber, city pipelayer, civil contractor or water treatment technician, we rely on these individuals to install, maintain, and repair clean water systems for global consumption.
At Proudly Essential Pros by MORSCO, we understand the importance of waterworks professionals and how much they contribute to maintaining safe water supplies. This August, take the time to educate your customers on the importance of maintaining clean water and what they can do individually to help maintain clean freshwater sources.