American Water President and CEO Donald L. Correll addressed municipal decision makers this month during the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) annual meeting to raise awareness of the important role sustainable water resources play in economic viability and community development. As the largest owner and operator of water services in North America, American Water is dedicated to educating consumers and municipal leaders about using water wisely and implementing practical water resource solutions.
American Water is encouraging towns to explore innovative conservation approaches through its sponsorship of the 2006 USCM Municipal Water Conservation Achievement Award. Established by the USCM Urban Water Council, the award recognizes cities that excel in implementing effective water conservation programs and serves to encourage municipal leaders to make water conservation a critical part of their community’s long-term strategy. Two municipalities will be honored with the Municipal Water Conservation Achievement Award and will receive a $7,500 grant in recognition of their water conservation efforts at the Conference’s winter meeting in January 2007.
“By employing water conservation programs, municipalities teach consumers that water is a precious natural resource that everyone should be committed to preserving,” Correll said. That message has special significance in light of the U.S. EPA’s recent $277 billion estimate of infrastructure investment needs for drinking water systems. “As municipal leaders and water providers, we must educate consumers about the true cost of providing this vital service and how innovative water conservation programs can play an integral role in managing a water system responsibly,” Correll continued.
In addition to its owned utility operations, American Water is dedicated to partnering with developers, municipalities and industry to develop sustainable solutions to address the numerous water challenges that exist across the country. From infrastructure rehabilitation to implementing new compliance regulations to creating new sources of water, American Water is poised as the industry leader.
For example, American Water partnered with the Battery Park City Authority to design and build the country’s first urban “green” residential wastewater reuse application system for its Solaire apartment building. This project required a solution that would meet stringent New York City direct reuse standards. With a LEED certification rating of Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council, American Water now operates the wastewater system which reduces the demand for potable water in the building by up to 49%, providing a sustainable long term environmental advantage.
Source: American Water
