The Department of Environment Protection is celebrating National Drinking Water Week from May 4 to 10 by recognizing the 30th anniversary of the state Safe Drinking Water Act. 

"The Safe Drinking Water Act has helped to make sure that clean, safe water is available to all Pennsylvanians," DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo said. "Safe Drinking Water Week is an opportunity to remember the act and recognize the job well done by our drinking water suppliers that comply with the act every day."

Drinking Water Week recognizes the job that public water suppliers do to monitor and deliver safe drinking water to homes across the state. Private well owners should also consider water quality and conservation efforts they can make around their homes to ensure they have a reliable, healthy source of water for many years to come.

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 not only marks the 30th anniversary of the state Safe Drinking Water Act, but also the 40th anniversary of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the law that ensures the quality of drinking water across the United States.

For more information, visit DEP’s Drinking Water Week webpage and read the latest edition of DEP’s Drinking Water News.

5/12/2014