As the largest owner and operator of water services in North America, American Water and its 7,000 employees celebrate National Drinking Water Week. Sponsored by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the week is designed to recognize the vital role drinking water plays in all of our daily lives.
American Water’s operations provide clean drinking water and related services to over 18 million people in 29 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. Each day, 1,800 communities depend on the company for healthy drinking water to care for themselves and their families.
“Drinking water is a precious natural resource, and we understand our great responsibility in helping to preserve it for future generations,” said John Young, COO of American Water. “We fully support the AWWA’s mission in celebrating National Drinking Water Week.”
In 2005, American Water invested more than $500 million into its facilities across the country to provide reliable, high-quality water services. The company plans to invest nearly $640 million in capital projects in 2006.
American Water’s commitment to water quality is further evidenced by its strict compliance to the U.S. EPA water standards. Over half a million tests completed last year revealed a 99.998% compliance rate. For this reason, the company is often called upon by the EPA to help shape national drinking water standards.
In addition to its 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.
A partnership with the city of Buffalo, which was recognized by the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships (NCPPP) as the recipient of the 2005 Public-Private Partnership Award in the Services category. After six years of working with American Water to upgrade, operate and maintain its water system, the city of Buffalo has recognized $21 million in savings through operational and financial improvements.
American Water was also up to the challenge when they were awarded the opportunity to work 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 rating of Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council, American Water now operates the wastewater system that reduces the demand for potable water in the building by up to 49%, providing a sustainable long-term environmental advantage.
The realization that water is life has been the center of American Water’s commitment to public service for the past 100 years. The company celebrates National Drinking Water Week and looks forward to another century of providing drinking water services to communities across the nation.
Did You Know?
-- At $1.50 for a 20-ounce bottle of water, consumers could get 4,800 servings– 750 gal– of tap water.
-- Water constitutes approximately 60% of adult body weight.
-- The average woman should get approximately 91 ounces of water every day, from both food and beverages. Men should get a total of approximately 125 ounces.
Source: American Water
