American Chemistry Council Salutes World Water Day

Mar 22, 12:58 PM

Current Headlines: To: ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS

Contact: Tiffany Harrington of the American Chemistry Council, +1- 703-741-5583, tiffany_harrington@americanchemistry.com

ARLINGTON, Va., March 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Chlorine Chemistry Division marks World Water Day today with a reminder that chlorine chemistry is essential to delivering safe water to consumers.

"For nearly a century, chlorine disinfectants have helped protect public health by destroying disease-causing bacteria, viruses and parasites in drinking water," noted Robert J. Simon, Managing Director of the Chlorine Chemistry Division. Addressing this year's World Water Day theme "Coping with Water Scarcity," Simon added, "PVC water delivery pipes, made with chlorine chemistry, help conserve precious water resources."

The vast majority of U.S. water systems that disinfect their drinking water use some type of chlorine-based process, either alone or in combination with other disinfectants. Before U.S. cities began treating drinking water with chlorine -- starting with Chicago and Jersey City in 1908 -- cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and dysentery killed thousands of U.S. residents annually.

The American Water Works Association stated in a 2003 report that some 2.2 trillion gallons of water are lost annually in the U.S., primarily as a result of pipe corrosion leaks and breaks. While chlorine's role in helping to disinfect drinking water is well- known, less recognized is the role of chlorine chemistry in delivering water safely through the growing use of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes. PVC pipes do not corrode like metal pipes, so PVC pipes are less prone to failure than pipes constructed of other materials, preventing leakage, and going a long way toward "coping with water scarcity."

The Chlorine Chemistry Foundation, established by the Chlorine Chemistry Division of the American Chemistry Council, works through effective partnerships to increase sustainable access to safe drinking water in underserved communities and areas ravaged by natural disasters.

http://www.americanchemistry.com/newsroom

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) is committed to improving environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care(R), common sense advocacy, environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $635 billion enterprise and a key element of the U.S. economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents of every dollar in exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development, with their products improving the quality of life for all people through essential advances in public health, clean drinking water and new technologies.

The Chlorine Chemistry Division of the American Chemistry Council represents major producers and users of chlorine in the United States. The chlor-alkali industry contributes over $2 billion to the North American economy annually and helps provide thousands of essential products, including drinking water disinfectants, PVC pipe, 93 percent of all pharmaceuticals, 25 percent of all medical plastics and 86 percent of crop protection chemicals.

CONTACT:

Tiffany Harrington -- (703) 741-5583

Email: tiffany_harrington@americanchemistry.com

SOURCE American Chemistry Council

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