Local leaders gathered at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center to proclaim the week of May 4 Drinking Water Week in the Pennyrile Region on Friday morning.
Drinking Water Week is a national initiative that recognizes the work water professionals do and the importance of drinking water. Friday’s proclamation was read to third, fourth and fifth-grade students from University Heights Academy before they had a day full of nature activities at Jeffers Bend.
Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight; Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority President Derrick Watson; Pennyrile Area Development District Director Jason Vincent; Pennyrile RC&D Area Council Chairman Wallace Slinker and Nikki Chambers from HWEA read the proclamation.
Jeffers Bend was impacted by floods following historic levels of rainfall during the first week of April. Charles Turner from Jeffers Bend says six of their buildings were impacted and thanked the Leadership Hopkinsville-Christian County class and the Christian County Jail’s Community Service Program for aiding in the clean-up efforts.
Turner says Jeffers Bend hasn’t been that impacted by flooding since 1957.
Turning toward the proclamation, Turner says it’s crucial for people of all ages to know the importance of clean drinking water and caring for the Earth. The students were split into groups and went to different stations where they learned about invasive plants, soil conservation, water management and recycling.
During Drinking Water Week, Turner says more students from UHA will come to Jeffers Bend, and for the first time, they will be hosting activities for a group of home-schooled students.
