May 1, 2009

May 3-9 is National Drinking Water Week
Low-Flow Showerhead Giveaway Highlights Arlington’s Observances

May 3-9, 2009, is National Drinking Water Week. The City of Arlington, in partnership with the American Water Works Association, sponsors the annual celebration to increase public awareness of drinking water. The AWWA, with more than 60,000 members, is the oldest and largest nonprofit organization dedicated to safe water in North America.

In Arlington, the week includes a proclamation from the Mayor and City Council at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, and a low-flow showerhead giveaway, which begins Monday, May 4. The department will also launch an educational video on the city’s web site and cable channel and publish its annual Water Quality Report to customers in the water bill.

Drinking Water Week is an opportunity for water professionals and the communities we serve to join together to highlight the vital role that water plays in our daily lives, according to Water Utilities Director Julie Hunt.

“As we move into the hot summer months, this is a good time to remind customers about the importance of safe drinking water and ways we can conserve water,” she said.

The Arlington Water Utilities Department reminds residents and businesses about the landscape watering ordinance which prohibits outdoor watering from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Watering before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. saves water. Less water is lost to evaporation during the hottest part of the day. Code compliance officers will be observing irrigation practices in neighborhoods and providing instruction for saving water, which translates into cost savings for customers. To maintain a strong root system during summer months, Texas landscapes require watering to a depth of one-inch every five to seven days.

How to Get a Free Low-Flow Showerhead
Visit the Water South Service Center at 1100 SW Green Oaks Blvd. or the Customer Service Center in City Hall at 101 W. Abram St. Two hundred low-flow showerheads will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers must bring their old showerhead in order to receive a free replacement. Limit one showerhead per household. According to Water Utilities, low-flow showerheads can help reduce energy and water usage by as much as 20 percent. For more information, call 817-459-6628 or e-mail Dustan.Compton@arlingtontx.gov.