James M. SymonsJames M. Symons| The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and its
56,000 members
work to assure a safe, sufficient supply of drinking water for the people of North
America. The group leads efforts to advance the science and technology of drinking water,
as well as the management of water utilities. It also promotes consumer awareness and
influences government policies related to drinking water. Its members are united with one
common goal—to provide drinking water of unquestionable quality. In 1989, I received a flyer from my friend Ray Taylor, Vice-President, Operations, California Water Service Company, San Jose, California that was an interview he had about his utility. It was written in an easy-to-understand question and answer format, and I was sure was very informative to his customers. |
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As I too had answered many questions about drinking water over the years, I
had the idea of writing a book that everyone in the water works community could
use. I started on the manuscript during a 1990 summer vacation in Hawaii and
submitted a rough draft to AWWA in early 1991. Jon DeBoer and Norm Udevitz at
AWWA saw the possibilities, and in early 1992 the first edition, containing
101 questions and answers, was published. Its success lead to an updated and
expanded second edition containing 121 questions and answers, published in May
1994, a third edition containing 199 questions and answers, published in
1997, a fourth edition containing 231 questions , published in 2001, and a fifth edition containing 235, published in 2009.
The popularity of the AWWA book, over 137,000 sold to date, lead AWWA to publish
a fifth edition in November 2009. This edition has been completely updated. An index is provided to make finding the answers to specific concerns
easier.
Water suppliers have found this book useful in reaching out to the community
they serve, often buying copies in bulk. Many give them to their customer service
representatives to help answer telephoned questions, some have given them to
repair crews and meter readers as they often are questioned in the field by
consumers. Copies of the book are quite helpful during plant tours, either of
adults or school children, and they are a good educational tool for Directors,
City Council members, legislators, consumer advisors, etc. One utility
used the book as a thank you gift for consumers participating in the lead and
copper sampling program.
One note of caution -- although I have made every attempt
to be accurate, these answers must be general in nature; thus, I cannot be responsible
for any inaccuracies caused by local conditions.
The material received several favorable reviews and has been used by faculty in universities, middle school teachers, elementary school teachers, and consulting engineers as well as by the general public.
This book can be ordered from AWWA.