Tap water good value, EPA says

Reported December 10, 2007

COLUMBUS -- As we approach the New Year, the Ohio EPA encourages everyone to make a resolution to not take important things like tap water for granted.

Ohio tap water could provide the greatest value purchased all year. At a penny per gallon, it is the most convenient commodity available to Ohioans, and the only one piped directly into homes for immediate use.

A cost comparison demonstrates the value of Ohio tap water. For example:
# The average cost per gallon for a few common household liquid commodities: An average-priced shampoo -- $37.83; gourmet coffee -- $10.89; bottled water-- $5.89; regular unleaded gasoline -- from $2.70 to $3.30.

# The value of common household services per day compared to water service in your home: Internet access and cable package -- $2.67; electricity -- $2.57; natural gas -- $2; basic cellular phone plan -- $1.33; sewer -- $1.16; and Ohio tap water -- $1.09.
 

In considering the value of tap water, it's not only interesting to note that the price is low, and the service high, but there are a lot of professional services included in the price that require specialized training and equipment. There is a complex process involved in producing and delivering safe, clean tap water directly to every home.

Each day, behind the scenes, there is an extensive network of professionals, resources, and equipment working to protect water resources; to provide treatment; to maintain supplies; and deliver safe, clean tap water.

Engineers design treatment and the water distribution systems; certified plant operators oversee the treatment and distribution of tap water; mechanics maintain the equipment at the treatment plants and the pipelines that distribute the water; chemist test the water for unwanted contaminants; and Ohio EPA works with your local water supplier to ensure the entire operation in compliance with regulations that protect public health. Overall, the public receives a great deal of service from a wide variety of professionals for a low cost.

For more information, visit Ohio EPA's Web site www.epa.state.oh.us and click on the drinking water icon to learn about where your drinking water comes from and what can be done to protect drinking water sources. An interactive tool also can be found to determine whether there are any concerns in your area with local drinking water.