Jun 26, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Missouri American Water Offers Tips and Ongoing Reminders to Help Customers Save Money and Be Water Responsible This Summer

Missouri American Water, the state’s largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility, is working to give customers the knowledge and inspiration to avoid the water overuse “pitfalls” that frequently come with summer heat and activities. Ultimately, the tips and insights offered by Missouri American Water are designed to help our customers save money while alleviating stress on water supplies and infrastructure in the heat of summer.

“Gardens, pools, car washes and rinsing off dirty feet before heading indoors—all the activities that go hand-in-hand with summer also go hand-in-hand with increased water use and water waste,” said Pat Mickle, the superintendent of Missouri American Water’s St. Louis Distribution Load Control Center, which maintains proper water pressure throughout our St. Louis County water system. “Unfortunately, many consumers don’t think about this ‘in the moment.’ Instead, the reality hits when they get a higher water bill. Our goal is to get people thinking before the damage is done and to be proactive.”

Missouri American Water wants to remind people of the value of water, while empowering them with tips they can use every day to reduce usage and save money. Missouri American Water’s tips for summer include:

  • Reuse. Use water from rain barrels and kiddie pools for watering lawn and gardens.
  • Embrace the bucket! Instead of using a running hose, use water contained in a bucket for washing cars and pets, and rinsing vegetables and sandy/grassy feet.
  • Only water during the coolest parts of the day (early morning or evening) to minimize evaporation. Also, be aware of which plants don’t need to be watered every day.
  • Watch weather forecast to avoid “Mother Nature” re-watering your garden, which could also damage plants.
  • Choose your plants wisely. Purchase varieties that require less-than-daily watering and remain hearty in drier weather. And, don’t forget to mulch (only 2-3”) to help with water retention.
  • Check for leaks and breaks in hoses, sprinkler systems and pipes.
  • Raise the level of your lawnmower blade to avoid lawn burnout and the need for watering.
  • Keep an eye on your sprinkler’s “sweep” to make sure all the water is reaching vegetation that needs it and not the pavement! Check this frequently in case a person or animal has accidentally redirected your sprinkler.

“Ultimately, we are working so that people can enjoy the short-term results of smart water usage, such as lower costs, and the long-term impact of being responsible water consumers,” Mickle said. “We’re encouraging people to be smart about their water usage. By following the tips we’re offering for summer, we feel our customers will realize the common sense behind using water responsibly and begin to make year-round water conservation practices a part of every-day life.”

Missouri American Water

Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.5 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 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.