VOORHEES, NJ, Oct. 6, 2015 -- American Water, the nation's largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company, announced its participation in the Value of Water Coalition's national advocacy and educational event, "Imagine a Day Without Water," being held Oct. 6-8. Across the country, organizations, elected officials, corporations, environmental advocates, and others, are joining together to educate people about how water is essential, the challenges facing water and wastewater systems, and the need for investment.
"This is an opportunity for everyone who cares about safe, reliable water to raise attention to the importance of investing in water infrastructure and resources," said Maureen Duffy, vice president of Corporate Communications and External Affairs, American Water. "By spotlighting the need for investment in water and innovation across the country, coalition members, including water providers, utility companies, mayors, legislators, elected officials and advocates, are coming together to educate and engage the public on an issue that is critical to us all."
A variety of local and national events, policy resolutions and social media campaigns are being held across the country by coalition members to support the event. Just some of the things happening around American Water include:
- Illinois American Water is sponsoring an elementary school art contest encouraging students to draw a picture and write a sentence on what a day without water would mean to them. Winning students and their drawings will be featured on a future Illinois American Water bill insert. The winning class will also receive a $100 donation.
- Tennessee American Water is partnering with the Tennessee Aquarium to hold educational events throughout the week on the importance of water for aquarium visitors.
- Pennsylvania American Water is hosting a photography contest that challenges customers to submit original photography depicting how a day without water would impact them.
- Missouri American Water is hosting an art contest at local elementary schools, challenging students to draw and write about what a day without water means to them.
- New Jersey American Water is hosting a number of activities in local schools to commemorate the event. They include a student production of a video infomercial to demonstrate how much people depend on water, a school tour of a local water treatment plant, a series of memes developed by a school graphic design class to be used on social media channels, and a live demonstration of what goes into maintaining a water system.
- American Water's Dr. Mark LeChevallier also authored this week's "Dr. Water" blog post on the subject, located here.
"We are thrilled that American Water is joining Imagine a Day Without Water. The truth is, of course, we can't go a day without water. For homes, that would mean no water to take a shower, make coffee, clean, do laundry, or flush the toilet. For businesses from restaurants to manufacturing plants, water is essential to daily operations," said Radhika Fox, Director of the Value of Water Coalition. "During Imagine a Day Without Water, we're speaking with one voice across the nation about how water is essential, invaluable, and needs investment."
From October 6-8, 2015, groups are hosting events, elected officials are issuing proclamations and resolutions, water advocates are spreading the message over social media, and everyone from schools to aquariums are joining in the effort. Everyone participating in Imagine a Day Without Water is coming together to educate the nation that water is essential and that we must invest in it for future generations.
See also: "AWWA: 'Imagine a Day Without Water' stresses need to invest in water infrastructure"
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