National Water Quality Month invites us to consider how important it is to have access to reliable sources of high-quality water. It’s important to the entire eco-system. National Water Quality Month was founded in 2005 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It was backed by the United Nations as well. For more information, visit: nationalwaterqualitymonth.org
When we turn on the water faucet at home, work, school, or in the yard to water the garden, water appears, almost like magic. But where does it come from?
Most Virginians get their drinking water from a water utility. Drinking water may come from a reservoir down the street, a lake, river, or underground source such as a well.
The water from each of these sources is collected at a water treatment facility. That facility filters and disinfects the water. The facility follows strict guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Treated rainwater can be stored. It can then be distributed to neighborhoods, other water utilities for purchase, or used commercially.
The Virginia Office of Drinking Water regulates water facilities. Because of the regulations in place, we can trust that water coming from our faucets is safe, clean, and will be reliable.
Many Virginians have their own wells that serve their house. Private well owners should take the opportunity to test their well for water quality.
Regardless of where you get your water, it is important to take a few steps:
- Take care of the areas around wells and water supplies
- Maintain septic tanks
- Not dump waste
- Conserve water in the home
Water Emergencies That Can Occur:
- Water Main Breaks: Without warning, a pipe will break, leading to loss of water pressure to a part or a whole water distribution system. This could include one neighborhood, a street, or an entire town. A Boil Water Adviory (BWA) may be required depending on the length of time pressure was reduced or lost.
- Emergencies in Raw Water Sources: Raw water sources are natural water found in the environment. Since many raw water sources are open to the air, they can become contaminated by algae and other contaminants. In the case of drought, customer demand might be more than what is available. If a community’s raw water source is impacted, the water utility may have to take action to address the issue.
In water emergencies, coordination and cooperation will improve the outcome. You are part of that response as a member of the public. Utility technicians, government officials and private sector partners work to restore water, day or night. The best way to be informed during an emergency is to get engaged with your water supplier now. A good place to start will be the annual Consumer Confidence Report that your utility sent you in early July.
When we understand where our water comes from and what it takes to get it to our tap, we can make better decisions.