LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – La Follette Utilities Board (LUB) and partners throughout North America this week are celebrating Drinking Water Week, a decades-long tradition led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Taking place May 7-13 this year, Drinking Water Week is a celebration recognizing the vital role water plays in everyday life for both water professionals and the communities they serve.

“Having access to clean drinking water is vitally important for any community. The City of LaFollette’s water system began in the 1940’s and served mostly within the city limits,” said Kenny Baird, General Manager of LUB. Baird adds that over the past two decades, LUB and Campbell County have partnered to bring water service to many previously unserved areas of the county.

LUB is observing Drinking Water Week by encouraging consumers to learn about the critical infrastructure that transports water from collection to treatment to consumers to ensure access to safe drinking water. The estimated two million miles of water mains across North America are aging, and increased investment is necessary to assure they can reliably deliver safe water to homes and businesses.

“We are currently working on other projects that will further expand water in Flat Hollow and several areas in northern Campbell County. Having access to public water resources is vital to the economic growth, health and welfare of our community,” said Baird.

“Our local water systems protect public health, fight fires, support the economy and provide everyday conveniences—they are a critical part of our daily life and our way of life we take for granted,” said AWWA CEO David LaFrance. “The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act injected $50 billion in new funding, while a great start, additional investments will be needed to keep water, the lifeblood of our communities, flowing.”

“I’m honored to be able to play a part in the continued development of our region,” said Baird.

To commemorate the week, water utilities, water organizations, government entities, environmental advocates, schools and others throughout North America and beyond are encouraging consumers to learn more about the importance of water services and water infrastructure, especially in times of crisis.

About Drinking Water Week

For several decades, AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week, a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in daily lives. Free materials for download and additional information about Drinking Water Week are available on the Drinking Water Week webpage. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/12/2023-6AM)