Post a Picture, ALMU will Donate to "Drink Local. Drink Tap."

World Water Day is March 22, but it's unlikely many of us have ever heard of it, even though more than 1 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water.

That's one reason Lakewood resident Erin Huber founded the nonprofit, Drink Local. Drink Tap. The organization's mission is to share the “water wealth” of the Great Lakes with the people of Uganda, and for the past two years, Erin has been encouraging and inspiring area teens to make that happen. And soon, she'll be doing the same at Avon Lake's Troy Intermediate School.

Avon Lake Municipal Utilities (ALMU) chief Todd Danielson first heard about Erin after reading her story in Cleveland Magazine's Most Interesting People of 2012.

 “The Great Lakes contain 84 percent of North America's fresh surface water and 21 percent of the world's fresh surface water. Protecting this vast amount of fresh surface water in the world is critically important to ALMU,” Danielson said. “With Avon Lake's proximity to Lake Erie, it's hard for most of us to imagine water being scarce or expensive. Avon Lakers pay about half a cent per gallon. That access and cost is unthinkable in many parts of the world.”

ALMU provides almost 200,000 people in 5 counties with drinking water.

 “What Drink Local. Drink Tap. is doing goes even beyond a life-saving mission,” Danielson said. “Providing more accessible drinking water for at-risk populations is also good for the world economy and the environment. We at Avon Lake Municipal Utilities share this passion for ensuring clean water for future generations and want to help Drink Local. Drink Tap. as they build momentum in accomplishing their goal.”

 Give money without giving money

Interested in helping the cause? On March 22, post a photo of yourself (or, a friend or family member) enjoying Avon Lake tap water to ALMU's Facebook page (Avon Lake Water) and ALMU will give $1 to Drink Local. Drink Tap. Facebook “likes” or new Twitter (@avonlakewater) followers score DLDT a $.50 donation each.

“Money is tight everywhere, including Avon Lake and across northeast Ohio,” admits founder Huber. “ALMU will cap their donation at $500 dollars, but, to us, the awareness this partnership raises for Drink Local. Drink Tap. will carry us even farther than that monetary gift.”