World Water Day: Providing Americans Access to Clean Water

Did you know that over 2 million people living in the United States do not have access to running water or indoor plumbing? Many communities across the U.S. do not have adequate water sources –their wells that are no longer functioning properly, have contamination issues that render the well unusable or have no safe water source. On top of this 2 million, more than 44 million people are drinking out of water systems that recently had health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violations.  

To commemorate World Water Day, an initiative created in 1993 by the United Nation to help bring awareness to clean water access, we celebrate the volunteer efforts of the Water Well Trust (WWT) and the Water Boys. These organizations, along with many suppliers and distributors in the water industry, work together to bring clean drinking water to Americans that don’t have access to running water. The Vinyl Institute is a proud supporter of their efforts. In 2021, WWT completed 27 projects that provided 2,037 people with safe, reliable, potable water. 

Recently a family in Bertram, TX received a donated water well system, including pump equipment, well drilling, and installation. Among the equipment that was donated to this family, PVC pipes were provided for the well water to function properly and for years to come. Prior to getting a water well, this Texas family would save money every month to buy enough bottled water from the store for all their drinking and living needs. You can learn more about the Bertram, TX water well project in this video.   

When organizations such as the WWT and Water boys use PVC pipes in their well systems, they are helping to ensure families have access to clean water for generations. Because PVC pipe is a non-corrosive pipe, it will not only keep harmful chemicals out but will sustain clean drinking water initiatives for over 100 years.  

To read more about families that have benefited from the WWT, click here.