ATLANTA, GA, May 9, 2002 - United Water Services Atlanta (UWSA) is determined to draw attention to the City's annual Water Quality Report.
Challenged by GM Dave L. Montgomery to always "max out" performance, Atlanta will once again release its 2001 WQR by partnering with WSB-TV (ABC-TV) for a spot in the annual July 4th Salute 2 America Parade.
"When we released our first WQR in 1999 we received an award from Public Interest Research Group recognizing our community outreach efforts," explained Montgomery. "In keeping with the Safe Drinking Water Act, we made sure that everyone knew where to get a copy of Atlanta's WQR if they did not receive it by mail. In 2000, I challenged our PR staff to max out again and they did. UWSA released the WQR with a parade and the customers loved it."
This is the second year that UWSA has entered its popular "Think Tap. Drink Tap" custom designed float in the City's largest parade. The float features a faucet pouring water into a United Water cup. Onboard, talented teen tap dancers perform for the crowd as others wait their turn sitting on ice cubes. Spontaneously, a "Think Tap. Drink Tap" chant usually swells in the crowd.
WSB-TV is the top station in the market and the patriotic parade is steeped in tradition. Hosted by Monica Kaufman, the market's top broadcast personality, and sportscaster Chuck Dowdle, UWSA receives on air mention and the 2001 WQR makes its televised debut. The event attracts an estimated 150,000 television viewers and another 150,000 who line the parade route.
"I am confident that we have more than satisfied the intent, spirit, and all requirements of public information in the Safe Drinking Water Act," said Montgomery.
In addition, UWSA provides a free drinking water station, a misting tent, and distributes water conservation devices to the public near the parade route.
The July 4th event also provides opportunities to enhance employee relations. UWSA employees are invited to walk alongside the float and all employees receive a U.S. flag. The flags complement an invitation to the reserved, UWSA hospitality area along the parade route. The employee-only hospitality booth features refreshments, tented shade, and a play space for kids. "Company owners and senior managers participate fully and we all wear our Water Week tee shirts," said Montgomery.
UWSA makes Atlanta's WQR available through local libraries, hospitals and clinics, public housing properties, online, and by contacting UWSA's Customer Service. Public Service Announcements are simultaneously broadcast on the local cable channel and press releases are carried in local media.
"We are very proud of our water quality in Atlanta and we want our customers to be informed and enlightened," said Montgomery. "If we present the WQR in an interesting way, we believe that our customers are more apt to read and appreciate it."
UWSA is an equity partnership between United Water and Williams-Russell&Johnson, an Atlanta-based, minority owned engineering firm. UWSA is now in the fourth year of an historic 20-year agreement with the City of Atlanta to operate the drinking water system. Savings are estimated between $15 -20 million per year.
United Water, headquartered in Harrington Park, NJ, is a provider of water and wastewater services in North America. United Water provides water and wastewater services to about 7.5 million people in 19 states. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of ONDEO Services, the world's leader in water and wastewater management services and part of the Suez Group.
United Water's Corporate Communications Department coordinates WQRs for over 50 systems. The team handles the design, production, printing and mailing of nearly 750,000 documents.
For more information visit the company's web site at www.unitedwater.com.
