January 12, 2012
Lisa Reisen
Manager, External Affairs
Lisa.Reisen@amwater.com
563-468-9221
A Toast to the Tap: Iowa American Water Offers New Year's Resolutions for a Healthy and Sustainable 2012 DAVENPORT, IA (January 12, 2012) -- With as many as 36 states facing water shortages by2013, it has never been more vital for Americans to understand the true value of a resource so many take for granted - having enjoyed lifelong, ready access to clean, reliable water at the turn of a tap. Iowa American Water has compiled a list of easy-to-adopt, water-conscious New Year's resolutions for consumers who want the health benefits of being well hydrated while ensuring that high-quality drinking water will continue to be available for future generations.
Resolution #1: Drink For Your Health
The Cornell Medical Center estimates that as many as 3 out of
4 Americans are chronically dehydrated. Even mild dehydration
can lead to fatigue and loss of concentration. Water
flushes
toxins from vital organs, carries nutrients to cells, and
contributes to muscle health - decreasing
joint and back pain, among other benefits. The Mayo Clinic
cites research from The Institute of Medicine recommending
that men consume roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of water
and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of water per day.
And tap water will help you meet that recommended amount more
cheaply, safely and sustainably than bottled water (see
Resolution #2).
Keep a reusable bottle of water near your desk, during workouts, or close at hand while home for frequent water breaks. Tap water is less expensive than bottled, at about a penny a gallon on average; often considered safer, since it is regulated by the U.S. EPA, with tests performed multiple times a day (while bottled water is less stringently regulated by the FDA); and more environmentally friendly, as 85% of recyclable plastic water bottles end up in the trash, according to the Container Recycling Institute, resulting in an average of 38 billion water bottles added to landfills every year.
Resolution #3: Check for Leaks
Millions of gallons of water are lost to leaks every year
across the country. In fact, a single toilet leak can result
in more than 100 gallons of water lost each week. To check
for toilet leaks, put a few drops of food coloring in the
tank, then watch for a few minutes. If the color shows up
in
the bowl, there's a leak that needs to be repaired. Also look
for drips or stains underneath and behind appliances such as
dishwashers and washing machines. Outdoors, check for
damaged
sprinkler system heads and system leaks. As a general test,
check your water meter before and
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after a two-hour period in which no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak. Leak detection kits are available from Iowa American Water in a downloadable PDF file. Visit our website at www.americanwater.com/iaawand click "Customer Service" then "Wise Water Use" to download a copy of the kit or call our customer service center toll free at 1-866-641-2108.
Resolution #4: Use Water-Efficient Fixtures
Advances in plumbing technology and design have resulted in
faucets, showers and toilets that use significantly less
water than standard models while still delivering the rinse,
spray and flush that consumers expect. Look for the EPA's WaterSenselabel at leading retailers. If one in every
10 American homes upgraded a full bathroom with WaterSense
labeled fixtures, combined savings would represent about 74
billion gallons of water per year!
Take steps to prevent water loss and water damage from frozen
and burst pipes. Search for pipes that are not insulated or
that pass through unheated spaces such as crawlspaces,
basements or
garages. Wrap them with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or
fiberglass insulation, both of which are available at
hardware stores. Consider wrapping pipes with electric
heating tape, but follow manufacturer's instructions
carefully, and purchase heat tape with a built-in thermostat
that only turns on heat when needed. Seal cracks and holes in
outside walls and foundations with caulking to keep cold wind
from pipes. In addition, wrap your water heater in an
insulation blanket.
Nearly 15 percent of an average home-energy bill goes to
heating water.
Iowa American Water, a wholly owned 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
investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company.
With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more
than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking
water, wastewater and other related services to approximately
16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and
Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting
www.amwater.com.
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