Birmingham Water Works announces new water testing facility

monitoring the water supply, Birmingham Water Works
Every aspect of our water supply is monitored 24/7. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Birmingham Water Works (BWW) announced their new, state-of-the-art EnviroLab building that will help continue its high water quality standards and enhance testing and operations. Want to learn more about this facility and what it means for the city of Birmingham? Keep reading.

About the EnviroLab

BWW press conference
Birmingham City Council President Wardine Alexander speaks to attendees at BWW press conference. (BWW)

Certified by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the BWW EnviroLab conducts 100K+ water quality tests each year to ensure the quality and safety of our drinking water.

In a press release from BWW, chairwoman Huffman expressed her excitement for this new facility.

“This momentous milestone signifies our unwavering dedication to sustaining water quality standards and underscores our commitment to providing excellent water services to our community.”

Tereshia Huffman, Chairwoman, Birmingham Water Works

Since its establishment in 1951, BWW now serves 770K+ people in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties. The BWW board operates four filtration plants, a certified testing laboratory and has 4,000+ miles of pipe in its distribution network.

Fun fact: this network is ranked among the top five water systems in the U.S.!

August is National Water Quality Month

BWWB new filtration building
A few of the pipes in one of the top five water systems in the U.S. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

To showcase our exceptional water quality, BWW encourages residents to join them in celebrating National Water Quality Month throughout August.

Founded by the EPA, National Water Quality Month is dedicated to making the most of the relatively small amount of freshwater we have because having clean water is vital to individual and environmental health.

How can you celebrate? BWW shared some ways you can help reduce water pollution.

  • Reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizer applications.
  • Take used oil or antifreeze to a service station or recycling center.
  • Walk pets in grassy areas and parks and avoid waterways.

Learn more about the mission of BWW and this new addition.

What do you think of this new EnviroLab? Let us know on Facebook + Instagram!

Callie Morrison
Callie Morrison
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