Utility Press Release

Attachment E1

Immediate Release

Media Contact

Mary Burrell

Operations Manager

(727) 453-3065

CDC launches Water and Health Study in Pinellas County

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is partnering with Pinellas County Utilities in the CDC Water and Health Study. The study, which will take place over the next two years in Pinellas County Utilities’ water service areas, is part of a larger research project that will help public health scientists better understand the links between water use and health in communities across the United States. In an effort to assist in this important project, Pinellas County Utilities has volunteered to work with the CDC on this study.

“Pinellas County is pleased to partner with the CDC in this important project to improve understanding of water use and health in communities across the U.S.” said Robert M. Powell, director of the Pinellas County Utilities Water and Sewer division.

During the study, the CDC team will mail selected Pinellas County Utilities water customers a survey that asks them about their water use and health. The survey can either be completed on paper or online using a secure website. Selected residents might also be contacted by phone or e-mail. Being selected for the study does not mean that there is anything unusual about your water.

“We are excited to work with Pinellas County and believe that what we learn from this study will help us better understand how people use their water and how water use is linked to health,” said Dr. Julia Gargano, CDC’s lead epidemiologist for the Water and Health Study.

For additional information about the CDC Water and Health Study, visit http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/study.html.

For more information about Pinellas County services and programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org, now with LiveChat, or create a shortcut to www.pinellascounty.org/mobile on any smartphone. Pinellas County government is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Media inquiries may be directed to the CDC’s media office at [email protected] or (404) 639-3286.