Now, more than ever, people are realizing the importance of safe, clean, and reliable drinking water. Municipal utility employees of our drinking water systems are on the front lines in combating the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Clean water, provided by not-for-profit community-owned utilities, provides an opportunity to safely wash hands, clothes, and ensures hospitals safely continue their important operations.
This year, May 3-9 is Drinking Water Week nationally and in Missouri. The communities of the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) join Gov. Mike Parson during Drinking Water Week in recognizing the contributions of the dedicated workers who keep our water safe and clean while protecting public health.
At MPUA and among municipal utilities across the state, we recognize the important role our municipal water workers fulfill as a valuable community asset. Water professionals contribute quietly to the well-being of our local citizens, delivering tap water for drinking water, public health protection, fire protection, support for our economy, and the quality of life we enjoy.
Municipal utility professionals have a deep commitment to our community, working day and night to make infrastructure repairs in the event of water main breaks or other outages and helping protect our source waters from pollution. These workers ensure a safe, reliable supply of drinking water in their communities.
With the first week of May having been designated as Drinking Water Week, it’s an opportunity for us to recognize the vital role municipal utility water professionals play in our daily lives and the local communities they serve. No matter the circumstances or weather, there are hardworking municipal water professionals braving the elements to maintain the infrastructure needed to ensure safe, clean, and reliable drinking water.
This week, please join us in celebrating Drinking Water Week in Missouri by thanking your local municipal water professional.
Ewell Lawson is the vice president of government and external affairs for the Missouri Public Utility Alliance, an association representing more than 120 community-owned utilities across the state.
