GBA Celebrates Drinking Water Week 2014

This week marks National Drinking Water Week! For more than 35 years, water utilities across the U.S. have been celebrating the important role of drinking water. Safe water systems are critical to maintaining public health, economic vitality, fire protection and quality of life.

“Water is essential to our daily lives,” said Bill Carter, PE, DBIA, Vice President and Principal. “One of the greatest threats to this precious commodity is the aging infrastructure. GBA is leading the industry by proactively designing sustainable solutions so future generations can enjoy safe water.”

Safe water is also essential to the manufacturing of everyday items such as food and clothing. According to the Value of Water Coalition:

•    40 percent of water is used in agriculture to grow foods to eat and beverages to drink

• 32 gallons of water is needed to make one glass of wine
• 19 gallons of water yields one apple
• 1,230 gallons of water is necessary for the production of one beef steak

•    46 percent of water is consumed in manufacturing products to buy

• 700 gallons of water is needed to manufacture one t-shirt
• 2,100 gallons of water produces just one pair of leather shoes
• 40,000 gallons of water is needed to manufacture a single car

This week-long event is sponsored by the American Water Works Association. Additional information about Drinking Water Week can be found here.