Water provides...
Public health
• An estimated 3 million people die every year from preventable waterborne disease.
• Without our modern water systems, diseases such as cholera and dysentery would be part of everyday life.
• In the United States, water utilities monitor for more than 100 contaminants and must meet close to 90 regulations for water safety and quality. Those water standards are among the world's most stringent. States may also require utilities to meet additional standards.
Fire protection
• A well-maintained water system is critical in protecting our communities from the ever-present threat of fire.
• In most communities, water flowing to fire hydrants and home faucets is transported by the same system of water mains, pumps and storage tanks.
• A water system that provides reliable water at a high pressure and volume can be the difference between a manageable fire and an urban inferno.
Economic development
• Tap water is critical to the day-to-day operations of existing businesses and to the viability of new commercial enterprises or residential developments.
• From foods and beverages to toothpastes and perfumes, water is the primary ingredient in hundreds of thousands of everyday products.
Quality of life
• Any measure of a successful society ― low mortality rates, economic diversity, productivity, public safety ― is in some way related to access to safe water.
• We can hardly imagine a day without it. Without tap water...How would we rinse our produce, clean dishes and clothes, water plants and landscapes and wash our cars?... Where would we shower?... How many businesses would have to suspend operations or relocate entirely?... How would our institutions - from hospitals to firehouses to schools - function?
Public health
• An estimated 3 million people die every year from preventable waterborne disease.
• Without our modern water systems, diseases such as cholera and dysentery would be part of everyday life.
• In the United States, water utilities monitor for more than 100 contaminants and must meet close to 90 regulations for water safety and quality. Those water standards are among the world's most stringent. States may also require utilities to meet additional standards.
Fire protection
• A well-maintained water system is critical in protecting our communities from the ever-present threat of fire.
• In most communities, water flowing to fire hydrants and home faucets is transported by the same system of water mains, pumps and storage tanks.
• A water system that provides reliable water at a high pressure and volume can be the difference between a manageable fire and an urban inferno.
Economic development
• Tap water is critical to the day-to-day operations of existing businesses and to the viability of new commercial enterprises or residential developments.
• From foods and beverages to toothpastes and perfumes, water is the primary ingredient in hundreds of thousands of everyday products.
Quality of life
• Any measure of a successful society ― low mortality rates, economic diversity, productivity, public safety ― is in some way related to access to safe water.
• We can hardly imagine a day without it. Without tap water...How would we rinse our produce, clean dishes and clothes, water plants and landscapes and wash our cars?... Where would we shower?... How many businesses would have to suspend operations or relocate entirely?... How would our institutions - from hospitals to firehouses to schools - function?