In recognition of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Drinking Water Week, Indiana American Water is encouraging consumers to learn more about their local water source, gain a deeper appreciation for the value of quality drinking water and be more empowered to do their part in protecting the planet’s most precious natural resource. Centered on the theme Protect the Source, Drinking Water Week is observed nationwide May 6-12, offering water professionals and the communities they serve opportunities to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in their daily lives.
“In the four decades since Drinking Water Week was first observed, the challenges of providing quality water have evolved right along with the evolution of society and life,” said Indiana American Water President Deborah Dewey. “While some of the challenges may be tougher, our knowledge and capabilities in terms of science and technology have also evolved considerably.”
“Our customers have also evolved in terms of their growing sense of responsibility to do their part in protecting water resources,” Dewey continued. “Indiana American Water supports customers doing their part in a number of ways, including through ongoing education and outreach programs and partnering with local organizations to fund more than three dozen community-based projects since 2005 to improve, restore and protect watersheds through our Environmental Grant Program.”
“The first step in mobilizing people to help protect their water source is to help elevate the respect they have and the value they place on their drinking water.” said Dewey. “At Indiana American Water, we conduct thousands of water quality tests each year, and maintain nearly three dozen water treatment facilities, more than 4,700 miles of water mains and 115 water tanks to make sure our customers get the best quality water.”
To advance goals to “Protect the Source,” Indiana American Water encourages individuals to take the following actions during Drinking Water Week and then to make them year-round practices:
- Be conscious of daily water use and take the necessary steps in the home to be water smart and help preserve this precious natural resource, which can also have an impact on reducing monthly bills.
- Be sure that leaking pipes and faucets – indoors and outdoors – are repaired in a timely manner.
- Take care in the use of garden, lawn, garage or other home products and ensure that they do not inadvertently find their way into water sources.
- Dispose of chemicals, unused medicines or other potentially harmful products properly and do not put them directly into home drains, the sewer, street drains or the lawn.
For more tips and information, visit the watershed protection page on Indiana American Water’s website.
Indiana American Water customers can learn more about the source of their water and how the company meets or surpasses all federal, state and local standards for delivering safe, quality drinking water by viewing a copy of their annual water quality report at this link.
About Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,900 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 46 states and Ontario, Canada. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Drinking Water Week
For more than 40 years, American Water Works Association and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week, a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in daily lives. Additional information about Drinking Water Week, including free materials for download and celebration ideas, is available on the Drinking Water Week webpage.