The American Water Works Association (AWWA) kicked off this year’s Drinking Water Week with an invitation to consumers to ‘Protect the Source.’ AWWA and the water community across North America celebrated Drinking Water Week by recognizing the vital role drinking water plays in daily lives. Focus was placed on ways in which water consumers can take personal responsibility in caring for their tap water and protecting it at its source.
AWWA and the water community across North America are urging collaboration between water utilities and farmers to protect drinking water. Nutrients from agricultural operations can wash into streams, rivers and lakes and ultimately impact drinking water supplies for communities downstream. However, farmers, water utilities and other community partners can work together to combat the problem. AWWA recently produced a whiteboard animation video to illustrate how partnerships between the US Department of Agriculture, water utilities and farmers can be key in protecting drinking water sources.
Conference speakers
AWWA announced thatNPR host Ira Flatow and award-winning actor John O’Hurley will speak at the association’s Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE18), to be held June 11-14 in Las Vegas, NV. Flatow will open ACE18 at the Opening General Session at 8:30 a.m., June 12 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Flatow, an award-winning journalist, is the host of NPR’s Science Friday radio program and podcast. This program aims to connect listeners with scientists for discussions on science, technology, health, space and the environment. Additionally, O’Hurley will speak at ACE18’s Water Industry Luncheon at 12 p.m. on June 13 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. O’Hurley, best known for his work on Seinfeld, is also known as a Broadway actor, game show host, best-selling author and musician.