WHEREAS, The waters of Rhode Island are an essential renewable resource which must be preserved to insure the availability of safe drinking water for present and future needs; and

WHEREAS, The health and standard of living of all Rhode Islanders depends on ample supplies of safe, reliable, clean water; and

WHEREAS, Water is an issue that touches the lives of all Rhode Island residents to such a considerable extent and yet is generally so little understood; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Drinking Water Committee of the New England Drinking Water Week Coalition was founded and is committed to education of our state's citizens, especially our children, that our drinking water is an invaluable resource which must not be abused by any segment of the state's population; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Drinking Water Committee is presenting environmental theater presentations, tours of treatment plants, video broadcasts, and educational material to over 4,000 2nd/3rd graders from across our state during Rhode Island Drinking Water Week;

WHEREAS, By having Rhode Island Drinking Water Week in conjunction with National Drinking Water Week, it specifically will raise the awareness of all Rhode Islanders to the importance and value of water management, utilization, and conservation in general.

RESOLVED, That this House of the state of Rhode Island is proud to declare May 5th through May 11th as Rhode Island Drinking Water Week.