Friday 29th March 2024

drinking-water

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources invites Missourians to celebrate drinking water week by taking a moment to reflect on the importance of a clean abundant supply of quality tap water.

Drinking Water Week, May 2-8, recognizes the essential role drinking water plays in daily lives, with the theme “There when you need it.”

In celebration of Drinking Water Week, the department, in conjunction with the American Water Works Association, held a poster contest for all Missouri fifth-grade students. First place went to Emma Conway, of Shenandoah Valley. Second place went to Addy Mara, of Senath-Hornersville; while Ro Larraga, of Sedalia, earned third place.

Public water systems in Missouri face increasingly complex challenges, and overall have an extraordinary compliance record. Each water system is responsible for monitoring conditions at individual water plants and is required to employ trained certified operators.

Water systems in Missouri are required to regularly sample water for many different contaminants following federal and state limits. A state-approved laboratory must analyze these samples and the results must be reported to the department. The majority of testing is done at the Department of Natural Resources’ and the Department of Health and Senior Services’ labs, at no cost to the systems, saving the consumers money.

For more information and to view the winning posters, visit dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/drinkingwaterweek/index.html, or call the Department of Natural Resources’ Public Drinking Water Branch at 1 (800) 361-4827 or (573) 751-5331.