City of Salem Promotes National Drinking Water Week

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - The City of Salem will join other American water utilities to celebrate "The Wonder of Water" during National Drinking Water Week, May 7th-13th, 2006. The nationwide campaign is an effort to remind citizens that water is a valuable resource to be protected and used wisely.

Salem's drinking water is some of the best in the nation and water customers pay only one penny for four gallons of tap water.

In celebration of National Drinking Water Week, the Salem Public Works Department will be holding its first annual Water Festival for Salem-Keizer students. Additionally, information on water conservation, cross connection, and Salem's water system is on display at the Salem Library beginning May 1st, 2006.

"National Drinking Water Week is a great way to celebrate Salem's excellent quality of drinking water," said Water Services Manager, Sophia Hobet. "We encourage our water customers to protect and conserve this valuable resource nowand into the future."

Water conservation is only one way Salem water customers can get involved. By reducing water use, customers not only save directly on their water bills, but also leave more water for threatened fish, wildlife, and eight other communities that depend on the North Santiam River. Conservation also allows the City to extend the life of its existing water facilities, thus deferring costs of expanding services.

To help residents reduce their water use, the City offers free conservation kits and One Inch per Week lawn watering gauges. Salem's Public Works website also offers a variety of conservation tips to help homeowners find ways to save water.

To receive a free indoor conservation kit and lawn water gauge, call 503-588-6323. To view water conservation tips on the Internet, visit: www.cityofsalem.net/~swater and click on the water conservation link.