CCWSA Environmental Affairs Department

Diligent Testing Keeps Our Drinking Water Safe

Happy Drinking Water Week

SUBMITTED BY THE CCWSA ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

In the spirit of celebration, we wanted to let you know about one of our lesser-known holidays; Drinking Water Week, which is May 2-8. We will celebrate our water resources and the importance of water in our lives. This holiday has been celebrated by the American Water Works Association for more than 40 years. Clean, safe, reliable tap (drinking) water is a commodity most people take for granted and rarely consider it a luxury that many people are not able to enjoy.

One of the most common questions we hear is, “How do I know my water is safe to drink?” Since 1974, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) has protected the interest of Americans. SDWA has changed and been amended several times over the years to address new contaminants and problems. We can thank the SDWA for, among other things, boil water notices when the opportunity for contamination has occurred, and the requirement for water providers to publish a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).

Every year, water providers around the country are required to test for a long list of contaminants, looking for levels as low as parts per billion. To better understand this concept, one part per billion is the concentration of a packet of sugar dissolved in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

It also is important to note that every five years, the Environmental Protection Agency creates a list of potential contaminants to look for during testing, and develops solutions to eliminate those contaminants. Extensive research is then done on this list to determine any impact on humans. If a negative impact is discovered, testing will continue and listed in the CCR. With this information, customers can make an educated decision about whether or not they want further treatment for their drinking water.

The CCR for Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority can be found on our website, www.ccwsa. com, and at our main office, 140 W. Main St., Canton, upon request.

Water plant tours will be offered on May 4 and May 6. To sign up, call Lori Forrester at 770-479-1813 Ext. 246 or email lori.forrester@ ccwsa.com. If you ever have a concern about the taste or color of your drinking water, we recommend you check the Frequently Asked Questions page on the website: https://ccwsa.com/frequentlyasked-questions/.

If you still have questions or a concern, please contact us at 770479-1813 and we will be more than happy to answer your question and/ or come take a sample.

Diligent Testing Keeps Our Drinking Water Safe

Many Benefits from One Source

Of all the advances in society, only tap water delivers public health protection, fire protection, support for our economy, and the quality of life we enjoy.

Public Health

Communities across America have drinking water treatment facilities that are responsible for treating surface water or groundwater, and bringing it to drinking water standards. Many believe one of the biggest public health initiatives of the 20th century was the addition of fluoride to drinking water. Not only did this reduce the number of dental hygiene issues and tooth loss, dental health also is related to hypertension, heart disease, digestive problems and many other related illnesses. Additionally, having clean water for hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of diseases. In the midst of the current pandemic, this is more important than ever. Firefighting

The drinking water that we use every day to cook, wash, clean and eat is the same water that is used to put out fires, save lives and property. Economy

Without a source of clean safe drinking water, our economies would not be able to grow. Water supports restaurants, food processing facilities, medical services, and the building of homes within communities.

Quality of Life

Over the years, life expectancy has increased and part of the reason is water. Clean safe drinking water is vital to support the medical field and allows hospitals to deliver services safely. Staying hydrated is important to our health, as well. - CCWSA Environmental Affairs Department

Ask the Experts

Representatives of the Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority will be on hand to answer questions and hand out fun freebies. Events are drop-in; participants don’t need to stay for a presentation. May 3: Frosty Frog Creamery & Café, 6205 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 112, Canton. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 4: Reinhardt University, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. PLUS... 10 a.m.-noon, in the science building atrium. May 5: Barrel House Coffee Co., 275 Gilmer Ferry Road, Suite 5, Ball Ground. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

UPCOMING AT ELM STREET

Reeves House | Visual Arts Center OPENING WEEKEND

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, May 14th

6:00pm - Grand Opening Reception & Ribbon Cutting

Saturday, May 15th

10:00am - Mommy & Me Activity 7:30pm - Changüí Majadero: The Lantern Series Concert

Sunday, May 16th

1:00-6:00pm - Art on the Green Open Air Art Market

And more!

OTHER HAPPENINGS

June 5th June 9th-23rd

Swedish Jam Factory How I Became a Pirate

REGISTER FOR SUMMER CLASSES & CAMPS VISUAL ARTS | THEATRE

ELM STREET CULTURAL ARTS VILLAGE WILL BECOME WOODSTOCK ARTS AUGUST 1ST