For more than 30 years, communities across the United States have joined the American Water Works Association in recognizing the essential role that water plays in our daily lives by celebrating National Drinking Water Week.  Throughout the week, AWWA and its partners provide information and host activities to highlight the importance of water
 
This year Evanston has chosen the theme “100 Years of Clean Water” to recognize how vital water has been and will continue to be in our lives, and to acknowledge  the Water Department’s productive and successful efforts to provide clean, safe, and reliable drinking water to our community for the last century.

Celebrating NDWW with the City
By 1897, the water utility could pump 12 million gallons per day of untreated lake water. In 1911, the water utility started using hypochlorite of lime to disinfect water and improve safety. The momentous development came in 1913, when construction began on a plant that would provide the city with 12 million gallons per day of filtered and disinfected water. This was the first water treatment plant of its kind to be constructed along the shores of Lake Michigan Water treatment from 1914 on largely eliminated typhoid and other waterborne diseases from the city. Because of its superior water supply, many families were inspired to move to Evanston. Today, this plant is a critical part of Evanston’s award-winning commitment to public health.

Throughout the week, the City will sponsor a series of activities for all ages in honor of National Drinking Water Week. Save the date for the following events and keep an eye out for a variety of exciting contests and activities.

Tap Tips
Treating water with care will help ensure clean water supplies for the future. Celebrate this exciting week by learning more about our water and what you can do to protect it. Here are a few small steps to make sure that water systems are as clean as possible:

The Drip Calculator from the American Water Works Association can estimate water waste and cut down on leaks in the home: http://www.awwa.org/resources-tools/public-affairs/public-information/dripcalculator.aspx.

There are alternatives to chemicals for controlling weeds and bugs, and there are ways to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides or fertilizers, as they can travel through runoff and soil and contaminate ground water.

Used motor oil, grease and parts cleaners and antifreeze should be property disposed of, as should prescription medications.

Using non-toxic cleaning and household products is preferable to using chemicals.

There are many cleanups of beaches, streams and wetlands needing volunteers.