For more than 35 years, AWWA has set aside a week in the spring to recognize the importance of safe drinking water throughout North America.  In 1988, AWWA brought the event to the attention of the US government and formed a coalition along with the League of Women Voters, the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Subsequently, AWWA worked with Representative Robert Roe and Senator Dennis DeConcini to sponsor a resolution naming the first week of May as "Drinking Water Week." In 1988, a joint congressional resolution declaration was passed and signed by President Ronald Reagan.