Donnie Day (left) and Adam Wilson (right) uncover a water main to make repairs on Pinecrest Road.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) –  The La Follette Utilities Board commends the hardworking men and women ensuring tap water is “There When You Need It” during Drinking Water Week which runs through Saturday.

Some of LUB water crew members, Jason Russell (left) and Donnie Day (right)  gather materials for repairing a water main break on East Central Avenue.

LUB and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) are observing Drinking Water Week by recognizing the vital role tap water plays in daily life, the infrastructure that is required to carry it to and from homes and businesses, and the important work of water professionals “behind the scenes.”

Reliable water service used for hygiene, hydration and cooking is critical to our health and safety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. At the beginning of the pandemic, several health organizations recommended normal hygienic practices, including hand washing for 20-seconds, would play an important role in slowing the spread of the coronavirus.“

LUB General Manager Kenny Baird said, “We have so many talented and hard-working men and women at La Follette Utilities that care deeply about serving the community with great utility services. The folks that work at the water treatment plant do a great job of treating and sending clean drinking water to over 10,000 customers throughout the area. The crews that maintain the water lines, water tanks, pumping stations and pressure regulators are also there every day to make sure that clean water is delivered to each home and business in a reliable manner. I am certainly proud to work with such fine professionals that make sure that your clean drinking water is “There When You Need It.””

LUB water crews “before and after” pictures of an exposed water main during recent flooding in the High Knob area.

During these difficult times, we reflect on the heroic work of health professionals and first responders who place themselves in harm’s way to keep us all healthy and safe,”said AWWA President Jim Williams. “I’ve referred to the water profession as a “vocation of distinction”before.In these difficult times, it is also a vocation of heroism.”

To commemorate the week, water utilities, water organizations, government entities, environmental advocates, schools and other stakeholders throughout North America and beyond will encourage consumers to understand and appreciate their drinking water.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/07/2020-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF LUB’S RANDY HAMMAC)