During International Drinking Water Week (May 1-7), I would like to commend the specially trained, skilled and certified professionals in Maine who work throughout the year to protect, monitor, test, analyze and treat public drinking water. By performing this essential public service, water works professionals can quickly detect and correct potential problems; prevent contamination; provide high-quality, dependable drinking water and protect public health and safety.

The role of water utilities in local communities is often invisible. The public does not see the many behind-the-scenes steps it takes to bring safe, sufficient and reliable water supplies from the source to the faucet. The state’s local water utilities and professionals diligently kept public water systems operating around the clock, with virtually no exception, during the cold and stormy weather last winter.

Normand R. Lamie, Lewiston,

president, New England Water Works Association