Water ad campaign wins EXCEL award

DENVER, CO, Aug. 15, 2007 -- The American Water Works Associations (AWWA) Only Tap Water Delivers campaign has earned the top award in the Society of National Association Publications 2007 EXCEL contest in the category of campaign advertisements.

The Only Tap Water Delivers ads, which are being placed by AWWA utilities throughout North America, raise awareness about the value of tap water service and the need to reinvest in water infrastructure. The ads bring a voice to buried water pipes and everyday fixtures and contemplate what would be said if only our water infrastructure could talk to us.

EXCEL judges noted that great copyrighting and dramatic photos helped deliver the message, and that the theme is carried out well throughout all of the ads.

The ads include a faucet that asks, "Do you know how often you turn me on?", a hydrant that states, "I want to be here for you," and a valve cover that reminds people that "I'm not so easily replaced." In a new ad due out soon, water infrastructure asks readers to "Let me be strong for you."

Only Tap Water Delivers ads and other materials are being used throughout Canada and the United States. Examples include billboards in Edmonton, Alberta, bus shelter ads in Miami, Fla., utility fleet decals and postage meter stamps in Anchorage, Alaska, television public service announcements in Norfolk, Virginia, and in water quality reports in many cities.

For more information on the campaign and AWWA utility membership, visit www.onlytapwaterdelivers.org

AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the entire water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.

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