Utilities collect water and store it, control, protect and improve its quality. Finally, they pump it through a network of pipes that starts at a water source and ends in your water tap.
Water utilities run laboratories that analyze water quality. They employ construction and service teams that keep the pipe network working and the pumps running. Many have to repair decades old pipes that leak precious water.
Behind the scenes of running a water utility stands a whole team of qualified specialists. We don’t notice this as long as water is available every time we want a cool drink or a hot shower.
Why do we tell you this? Because your local utility needs all the support it can get to keep going. It needs money to pay the staff, the energy bill and the investments in pipes, pumps and equipment. Please mind that every time you look at your water bill. It is the share you contribute to keep the water flowing.
Beyond that, there are four simple steps you can take to help keep healthy water running from the taps in your community:
Get smart about the water resources your community depends on. Get information from your water utility, from your municipal government and from NGOs.
If there is a group in your community that engages in water protection, join. If not, consider starting one.
Share your knowledge with others. Talk to your neighbors. Encourage teachers at your local school to make water protection a subject of discussion. Start conversations in your community. The more people realize the importance of water, the safer we all are.
Start a group that monitors pollution sources and engages with stakeholders.
Gather for a cleanup day at the local water sources and wetlands. Make water a theme. And never be patient with polluters: If you can pull your weight, everybody can.
Thank you for your support.