Valdosta Observes National Drinking Water Week, May 1-7

The City of Valdosta will observe National Drinking Water Week, May 1-7, 2016. Valdosta Mayor John Gayle will kick off the national observance in Valdosta on Monday, May 2, at 1 p.m., by presenting a proclamation to the Water Treatment Plant staff at the 3863 Guest Road plant location. The plant was named the 2013 Water Treatment Plant of the Year by the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) in the category for groundwater systems that pump over 10 million gallons daily (MGD).

"Every day, thousands of water customers in our city turn on their faucets with little thought to the water that streams out and how it moves from its initial source through the treatment process and ultimately to our taps," said Director of Utilities Henry Hicks. "National Drinking Water Week is a great opportunity to take time to reflect on how essential safe drinking water is to our everyday lives."

The city will host a Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, May 4, from 12-1 p.m., with Jason Barnes, Water Treatment Plant Superintendent. This event will take place in the City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room, located at 300 N. Lee Street, and will educate citizens on the process of providing the highest quality water to its residents. To RSVP for the lunch, call Jason Barnes at 229-333-1881.

"The City of Valdosta is proud to offer some of the finest drinking water in the state, not only to our citizens but also to the industries that choose to locate in Valdosta due to the quality of our water," said Mayor John Gayle. "Our Water Treatment Plant is also positioned for growth with the capability of meeting the drinking water needs of our city and its citizens for years to come."

Throughout National Drinking Water Week, whose theme this year is "Your Water: To Know it is to Love it," the city will celebrate the value of drinking water by reinforcing the critical role it plays in our daily lives and in the quality of life we enjoy. To commemorate the occasion, the city will share educational drinking water facts via its Facebook page (Valdosta, A City Without Limits).

"The City of Valdosta is proud to provide quality water services to our customers for public health purposes, fire protection, economic development and the quality of life of our citizens," said City Manager Larry Hanson. "Any measure of a successful community is in some way related to access to safe water, and we are proud of the Water Treatment Plant personnel who are responsible for bringing Valdosta water customers quality drinking water daily."

Group tours of the Valdosta Water Treatment Plant may also be arranged throughout the week by calling (229) 259-3548.