Clean drinking water is important for everyone
The importance of clean drinking water is highlighted, while recognizing the dedicated professionals working to keep water clean, in celebration of National Drinking Water Week, May 4-10.
First established in 1988, by former Pres. Ronald Reagan, in partnership with the American Water Works Association, Drinking Water Week is an annual, week-long celebration, a recognition of water’s vital role in daily lives.
From the federal, state and municipal policymakers, and water advocates, to the scientists, system operators, well drillers, inspectors and researchers, water professionals dedicate their careers to protecting water resources and ensuring access to safe, clean water, every time someone turns on the tap.
These professions often go unnoticed. This week is about recognizing them, and their efforts to provide the most basic of necessities.
The 50th anniversary of important federal legislation, the Safe Drinking Water Act, which helps states protect public health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply, was celebrated in 2024.
Wisconsin has taken the lead, in educating the public about protecting groundwater, through research and the Groundwater Coordinating Council. The state has made strides in learning more about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), advocating for Wisconsin to adopt federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), and assisting water systems in PFAS testing and follow-up.
Wisconsin has made progress on the state’s most common groundwater contaminant, nitrate, through assisting farmers with the tools they need. The DNR began accepting applications again in 2025, for well grants, to support the replacement, reconstruction, treatment or abandonment of private wells contaminated with PFAS, nitrate, manganese, arsenic and other contaminants.
Drinking water professionals are crucial to protecting the water people rely on, but Wisconsinites can also do their part, by taking action in their own lives. The following are some ways that everyone can help protect and conserve shared drinking water:
• If on a private well system, test drinking water at least once a year, and encourage neighbors to do the same.
• Share water conservation tips with the community, to support Wisconsin’s mission to “sustainably manage the quantity and quality of water in the state, to ensure that water is available to be used to protect and improve health, economy and environment, now and in the future.”
• Advocate for infrastructure improvements and support the protection of water sources, such as the removal of public and private lead water lines.
For more information about the ways water professionals help keep lead out of drinking water, visit epa.gov.
