Members of Jeffers Bend Environmental Center, the Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority (HWEA) and local government read a proclamation recognizing the importance of clean drinking water and the vital role it plays in everyday life on Friday ahead of Drinking Water Week in May.
Drinking Water Week is a national initiative that serves to recognize the work water professionals do and the importance of drinking water. Friday’s proclamation was read to fourth grade students from Bremen Elementary School before they had a day full of nature activities at Jeffers Bend.
Before reading the proclamation, HWEA President, Derrick Watson shared that HWEA produced around 2.5 billion gallons of drinking water for the region in 2023 and that clean drinking water is one of the most important things a city or county can ensure for their residents.
Reading the proclamation, Watson recognized May 5 to May 11 as Drinking Water Week and shared that clean water is a basic and essential element to life.
Hopkinsville Mayor, J.R. Knight continued the proclamation reading which highlighted the importance of access to tap water that is safe for consumption and use.
Christian County Judge Executive, Jerry Gilliam highlighted that there are still communities across the country and even in Kentucky that do not have access to clean drinking water so it is not something that should be taken for granted.
After the proclamation was read, the students started their day full of informational activities centered around water management, plants, soil conservation, pollination and much more.
Looking toward Drinking Water Week in May, Charles Turner of Jeffers Bend shared that on May 7 they will have students from University Heights Academy and Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School visit the environmental center and participate in water related activities.
Later in the week on May 10, Turner says they will have around 220 eighth graders from Hopkinsville Middle school, their biggest group of students ever, visiting to participate in field day activities.