Decatur Utilities joins communities across North America in celebrating Drinking Water Week, an annual observance led by the American Water Works Association. Taking place May 5-11 this year, Drinking Water Week serves to highlight the importance of safe drinking water and recognize the tireless efforts of water professionals who keep it flowing around the clock in our communities.
This year's celebration also coincides with a historic milestone – the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in the United States, a landmark law designed to safeguard the public by setting high drinking water quality standards. The SDWA provides a scientific framework to identify potential risks to drinking water and address them in partnership with states and water utilities.
The Decatur Utilities Water Resources Group is tasked with treating millions of gallons of water each day. The plant has received numerous awards over the years including the Alabama Water Pollution Control Association (AWPCA) "Best Operated Plant" Award for 2018-2022, the AWPCA Best Operated Distribution System Award in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and the Alabama Department of Environmental Protection (ADEM) Optimized Plant Award for ten consecutive years, 2012-2022. Optimization means the DU Water Treatment Plant meets or exceeds all state and federal mandates for water quality.
DU recently announced that its drinking water test results show PFAS levels that are below the new Environmental Protection Agency's new Maximum Contamination Levels. DU customers will be receiving DU's annual 2024 Water Quality Report as an insert in their May bills. It can also be downloaded at www.decaturutilities.com/water.
To celebrate the week, water utilities, water organizations, government entities, environmental advocates, schools, and others throughout North America will help children and consumers of all ages understand how water is protected, cleaned, and delivered throughout their communities.