As part of National Drinking Water Week, the county Department of Utilities will visit 17 county elementary schools today and tomorrow, giving school children a chance to meet water specialists and discuss utilities equipment.

National Drinking Water Week was established to enhance awareness of water issues and recognition of the importance of drinking water to be healthy.

By visiting county schools, the department hopes to impart an understanding of what happens to water between the time it falls as rainand the time it comes out of the faucet. In addition to a parade of vehicles and other equipment, the children will have opportunities totalk to chemists, engineers and meter readers.

County Executive Robert R. Neall has also proclaimed May 5 to 11 as Drinking Water Weekin Anne Arundel County. Here is a list of the schools and times of programs for elementary pupils:

Today

* 9 to 10 a.m. -- Benfield, Jacobsonville and High Point elementaries

* 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. -- Folger McKinsey, Southgate and Ferndale elementaries

* 12:30 to1:30 p.m. -- Arnold, High Point and Overlook elementaries

* 2 to 3 p.m. -- Millersville, Richard Henry Lee and Linthicum

elementaries

Thursday

* 9 to 10 a.m. -- Pasadena Elementary

* 10 to 11a.m. -- Oakwood Elementary

* 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. -- Meade Elementary

* 12:30 to 2:45 p.m. -- Hilltop Elementary

* 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. -- Freetown Elementary