American Water Works Co. Inc., the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company, will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2011 with a nationwide campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. The campaign is part of American Water’s ongoing commitment to consumer education and environmental stewardship.
A cornerstone of the company’s anniversary campaign will be a series of public service announcements (PSAs), created in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program and The Student Conservation Assn. (SCA). The PSA campaign features the actors Rachel Dratch, Diane Neal and Horatio Sanz, along with 16-year-old national surfing champion Lakey Peterson, promoting household water conservation to help consumers save a precious resource and save money. Slated for distribution to television stations in February 2011, the PSAs direct viewers to a dedicated website,www.SaveWaterToday.org, for more information and simple wise water use tips that consumers can use at home.
American Water also is collaborating with the SCA to execute a yearlong water conservation and protection project in several states that the company serves. Working with American Water, the SCA will engage young adults in providing vital water conservation and resource protection services on public lands, while enhancing the youths’ skills and experiences as future environmental leaders.
On April 20, 2011, the company’s actual anniversary date, American Water will introduce its “America on Tap” program. This public education program will promote the environmental and economic benefits of drinking tap water from refillable bottles rather than disposable bottles. Consumers will be encouraged to take the America on Tap Pledge on the company’s website.
During 2011, open houses will be held at various American Water state subsidiary facilities throughout the country. Local community leaders and customers will be invited to tour participating plants and learn more about the water treatment process and American Water’s commitment to delivering quality water.
Finally, American Water will launch a 125th anniversary website that will present the story of American Water through an interactive timeline and other viewer-friendly features. The site also will include information about all of the company’s 125th anniversary initiatives, as well as wise water tips, the America On Tap Pledge, an educators’ toolkit and curriculum guide on water, and other useful consumer education tools.
Source: American Water
