Photo: Mike Kemp, Getty Images
When people think about major advances in public health, they tend to think about vaccines and antibiotics. Though people may not realize, our water and sewer systems belong in this same category. The ability to deliver consistent, safe water to households then collect sewage and treat it effectively before returning it to the environment, may very well be the greatest public health achievement of all time. Until the 20th century, water borne diseases, especially cholera and typhoid were rampant until the advent of modern water and wastewater treatment systems. Sure, antibiotics can cure cholera and typhoid, but effective water and sewer systems can prevent you from getting them in the first place.
Here in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, clean and consistent water supplies are critical to our collective health. One of the most important ways that we can protect ourselves and others is washing our hands. So, the next time we turn on the tap to wash our hands, I suggest we all consider the employees at our local water and sewer system.
Turning the water may seem automatic to us, but even modern water and wastewater systems need a significant number of dedicated and skilled workers to monitor and control operations, perform maintenance and repairs, and carry out laboratory testing to keep things flowing. It’s not possible to do this work remotely. So, all over the country right now, the unsung heroes who provide this vital service are making plans to find a way to keep water running, even when some of the employees fall ill. This may include living onsite away from their families during this time of crisis to ensure that we continue to have clean water in our homes and hospitals. Their service and sacrifice are generally unseen, but shouldn’t be unappreciated.
So, when you see one of your local water and sewer workers, be sure to say thanks from at least 6 feet away. I’ll go first. To all of the staff at the Orange Water and Sewer Authority here in Chapel Hill, NC. Thanks.