The Department of Environment Protection celebrated National Drinking Water Week from May 5 to 11 by encouraging all Pennsylvanians to learn how to better protect and conserve their water.

“This week, we renew our commitment to work with the state’s water quality partners and ensure drinking water meets all federal and state standards,” Acting DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. “With 11 million Pennsylvanians using public water systems and two million using individual household wells, Gov. Corbett is committed to water protection efforts that are vital to ensuring the health of the public and Pennsylvania’s economy.”

National Drinking Water Week recognizes the importance of water source protection and conservation; the fragility of Pennsylvania’s water resources; and that cutting down on pollution and conserving water start at home.

To keep pollution out of water sources, consider these steps:

-- Appropriately use, store and dispose of household substances safely, rather than pouring them down the drain;

-- Test private well water annually for bacteria contamination;

Inspect household wells annually; and

-- Move possible contamination sources, such as kennels or livestock operations, waste systems or chemical storage areas a safe distance from nearby wellheads.

To conserve Pennsylvania’s water sources:

-- Install low-flow plumbing fixtures, such as on showerheads and faucets;

-- Check for household leaks and monitor your water bill for high usage;

-- Take short showers instead of baths;

-- Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth;

-- Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads;

-- Install a rain barrel outside the house to collect rainwater and reuse it in daily household chores, such as watering the lawn or washing the car; and

-- Wash your pets outdoors in areas of the lawn that need water.

To learn more about what is in public drinking water, ask your water provider for a copy of your system’s water quality report, or Consumer Confidence Report. DEP also has an online Drinking Water Reporting System where the general public can find information about their systems.

This year marks the 39th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the main federal law that ensures the quality of drinking water in the United States.

5/13/2013