VOORHEES, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE:AWK), 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.
"As a leading water and wastewater services provider, serving 16 million people, we take our role as environmental stewards of water very seriously," said President and CEO Jeffry Sterba. "Our 125th anniversary serves as an ideal platform to step up the national dialogue on water, using the company's leadership role to educate a wide audience on the value of water - our most precious resource - and what we can do to protect it and use it wisely."
A cornerstone of the company's 125th 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 Association (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 Web site, www.SaveWaterToday.org [1], for more information and simple wise water use tips that consumers can use at home.
American Water is also 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, and just two days before the nation's Earth Day celebrations - 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 Web site.
During 2011, Open Houses will be held at different 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 Web site (www.amwater125.com [2]) that will present the story of American Water through an interactive timeline and other viewer-friendly features. The site will also 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.
With roots dating back to the 1880s, and a network of communities served that spans from coast to coast, American Water has a long-time commitment to delivering reliable service to its customers. The company began during the post-Civil War era, as the nation's growth shifted from rural communities to cities and the need for organized water systems became acute. American Water now has the privilege of treating and delivering about one billion gallons of water per day to approximately 16 million people in the U.S. and Canada.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states and Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information may be found by visiting www.amwater.com [3]