Awwa Campaign Brings Water Infrastructure Discussion Aboveground

A newly launched campaign by the American Water Works Association encourages consumers and community leaders to consider what Only Tap Water Delivers,

A newly launched campaign by the American Water Works Association encourages consumers and community leaders to consider what Only Tap Water Delivers, reminding them of the need to reinvest in community water systems. At a public event in Washington, D.C., AWWA announced its Only Tap Water Delivers campaign alongside U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials. Highlighting the value of water service in terms of public health protection, fire protection, support for the economy and overall quality of life, the campaign promotes community stewardship of pipes and facilities to ensure continued service.

At the event, AWWA distributed campaign materials including drink-holders imprinted with This Drink Made with Tap Water to emphasize that tap water is the first ingredient in countless products used daily. Earlier this year, association officials took its Only Tap Water Delivers campaign to U.S. Congress, dispensing Only Tap Water Delivers materials during more than 300 meetings with Congressional representatives and staffs. This summer, AWWA will provide Only Tap Water Delivers CD/DVD packages for its member utilities, who serve more than 80 percent of the population relying on community water systems. Materials will include a speech, video, radio PSA, key messages, handouts, and a print ad series.

As the first utility to implement the campaign ad series, the City of Durham (N.C.), Department of Water Management placed an Only Tap Water Delivers ad in the city’s local newspaper, the Durham Herald-Sun. The first of four placed during the month, the ad features a water faucet and the caption, Do you know how often you turn me on? Accentuating the liberal use of tap water in everyday life, the ad text underscores the importance of caring for water systems.

Only Tap Water Delivers is based on a series of AWWA reports compiled over the past five years. The first report, Dawn of the Replacement Era (2001), identified a growing concern in view of aging water infrastructure and the need for reinvestment. The second, Avoiding Rate Shock (2004), noting that many people undervalue water, provided water utilities the tools to communicate with elected leaders and consumers regarding the need for rates that reflect the full cost of water service. A third report, Thinking Outside the Bill (2004), provides ideas to help soften the impact of higher water rates on low-income citizens. A new report, Water Infrastructure at a Turning Point, published in June 2006, helps water utilities communicate the need for asset management strategies to public officials and consumers. Û www.drinktap.org.