A safe, reliable water supply is critical to the success of any community. We often take water supply for granted until it is threatened, by drought, water main breaks, or some other event. Drinking Water Week is a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives.

Warren County Water District has been gearing-up for National Drinking Water Week for several weeks in an effort to create some positive exposure in the community.  On April 12, Warren Water kicked-off activities with an elementary school program called Be Green, To Keep Blue Clean; at this time a total of six schools and over 3,000 students within the county have been reached.  Each student received a bookmark featuring their new mascot called “Splash” along with reinforcement of the message to protect our environment and keep our most precious natural resource clean.  Coloring sheets of “Splash” with the same message were provided to kindergarten and first grade classes.  Several Warren Water sport bottles were donated for special year-end prizes.

As a trial run for future contests, one elementary school participated in the Warren Water Essay and Poster Contest.  The topics included Water is Life, The Benefits of Tap Water and Where Does My Water Come From?  The topics served as reinforcement of the vital role of water in our daily lives.  The award ceremony will be held April 30^th with the entire school attending, and the posters will be on display within the lobby of Warren Water during National Drinking Water Week.

To gain media exposure and reach a greater audience within the community, two morning interviews were scheduled with local television stations creating interest from the community including schools in surrounding counties.  Radio interviews were planned to offer another media avenue to reach the community.

These are just a few examples of Warren County Water District’s efforts to increase visibility in the community while educating the general public on a most precious natural resource – WATER.