DAVENPORT, IOWA, Oct. 19, 2012 -- Continuing its customer education program about the value of water service, Iowa American Water (IAW) is showing people what it takes to bring tap water to their homes and how system improvements help ensure that water continues to flow today and tomorrow.
The company’s latest effort to do this is a brochure, inserted into customers’ water bills this quarter, that features a basic illustration of a water system (both underground and above ground) to show that there’s a lot more to their water bill than just water. While this may seem elementary, customer research revealed that most consumers generally don’t think about the process or the people involved in delivering high quality water, or how continuous maintenance and upgrades to the system ensure that water service will be available for home use, businesses, agriculture, and fire protection for the community.
“Since most of our infrastructure is underground and not seen, people don’t realize what is involved. Through this education initiative, we’re hoping to help customers better understand the systems and processes that provide them with reliable water service,” said Randy Moore, president of Iowa American Water, the state’s largest investor-owned water utility. “As trusted stewards of the water supply, we work hard to treat and deliver high-quality water to our customers, and to make ongoing system improvements that benefit them now and in the future.”
Moore added that the program also aims to help customers recognize the important role they play by simply paying their water bills, which, in turn, helps support system improvements to ensure the continued reliability.
“The investments we’ve made into our water system -- such as water main, pipe and fire hydrant replacement, enhanced treatment capabilities that improve efficiency and reliability, and advanced metering technology that helps reduce leaks -- ensure that we continue to meet customer and public safety needs in the communities that rely on us every day,” he said. “By supporting these needed improvements, customers and Iowa American Water are working together to keep the water flowing now and into the future, and all for about a penny a gallon.”
In addition to the brochure in customers’ bills this fall, the company’s consumer education program is being seen in multiple venues, social media channels and community events through November. The company also launched a Facebook page to provide information and real-time updates about system improvement projects, customer programs, community events, environmental initiatives, wise water use tips, and more.
To learn more about this customer education program, visit www.iowaamwater.com.
About Iowa American Water
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 200,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in more than 30 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
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