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U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-5th, spent the afternoon with community members and employees of Davidson Water on Monday discussing the importance of water conservation in the country.

Foxx joined community business leaders and elected officials in the discussion of raising awareness of the ongoing water shortages that plague parts of the country. During her visit, Foxx spoke with Davidson Water employees privately, thanking the group for their service in an unappreciated industry.

“I want to thank you all,” Foxx said in addressing a large group of employees. “I know the people of this area don’t tell you how much they appreciate you because they don’t know how much they appreciate you until the water stops. I hope people become more acquainted with how precious water is to us and get to be more appreciative of you all and what you do.”

After attending a public forum last month in which Foxx addressed Thomasville citizens on a variety of issues, Davidson Water General Manager Ron Sink said he felt drawn to invite the congresswoman to his water system. Sink said he offered to host Foxx whenever she was available and got a call the next day from her saying she would love to make it happen.

“It was funny, when she called, it was restricted, and I had just been at my mom’s, and so I answered the phone and said ‘mom what did I forget?” Sink said, joking he and the congresswoman talked pinto beans before setting up the appearance.

“I invited her to come visit to see what we do,” Sink said. “We’re one of the largest rural water systems in America and ... I thought she would be interested in knowing who we are and what we do. Our part of the county is new to the 5th District, so I think it’s important for her.”

For Sink’s employees, he said, Foxx’s appearance proves her commitment to their work and their passion.

“We have a representative in Congress, and they are looking after our best interests,” he said. “We’re just proud to be able to host her and show her a little bit of our county in north Davidson. We’re proud of our community, and we like showing off.”

Davidson Water Inc. formed in 1968 as the brainchild of five residents who believed the community needed a reliable source of water to continue to thrive.

Member-owned since its inception, Davidson Water now serves over 150,000 people, making it the seventh largest water system in North Carolina. The company operates more than 1,800 miles of pipeline and boasts 19.25 million gallons of storage capacity.

“We feel like water is vital, and we’re pleased that she’s willing to come down and see us and know us and know what we do and what we’re about,” Davidson Water President Lee Comer said. “We could live forever without diamonds, but can’t live more than a few days without water.”

Sink and Comer detailed the company’s history and scale to Foxx during the event, showing off plans for expansion and growth. Sink credited the company’s board for the success it has enjoyed over the years.

“We have a board that they don’t have a political agenda,” Sink said. “They only have one agenda, and that is to represent the members and to provide safe, reliable drinking water at the lowest possible cost.”

http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20151214/news/151219903