MONTGOMERY-Water is the most valuable natural resource; and drinking water serves a vital role in daily life, serving an essential purpose to health, hydration and hygiene needs. Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed the week of May 5 through 11 as Drinking Water Week in Alabama to call attention to the value of drinking water during the week of May 5 through 11, 2024.
The Alabama Department of Public Health notes that tap water delivers public health protection, fire protection, support for the economy and the quality of life. When communities invest in community water fluoridation, there is an average estimated return on investment of $20 in dental treatment costs for every $1 in most cities.
Hard work is performed daily by the entire water sector; whether designing capital projects, operators ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water or a member of a pipe crew maintaining the infrastructure communities rely on to transport high quality drinking water from its source to consumers’ taps.
The coronavirus pandemic shone a light on the importance of drinking water for health, hydration and hygiene needs; and all are stewards of the water infrastructure upon which current and future generations depend.
During Drinking Water Week, Alabamians are urged to help protect source waters from pollution, practice water conservation, and familiarize themselves with the value of drinking water. In recognition of the week, lights on Retirement Systems of Alabama buildings will be illuminated in blue on May 10.
Media Release/Mallory Rigsby/ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
