Campaign highlights the benefits of tap water
On April 18, Voorhees, N.J.-based water and wastewater utility company American Water launched a year-long campaign to encourage consumers to drink tap water in recognition of its environmental and economic benefits. The “America On Tap” campaign coordinates with the nation’s Earth Day celebrations and marks the company’s 125th anniversary.
An average of 38 billion water bottles per year — 85 percent of all plastic water bottles consumed in the U.S. — end up in the trash each year, rather than being recycled, according to American Water. To kick-off the America on Tap initiative, the company is urging consumers to honor Earth Day, which is Friday, as a “plastic bottle-free” day and to drink tap water from refillable bottles. “The seemingly small decision to drink tap water rather than bottled water can have a major impact on the environment,” said American Water’s director of Innovation and Environmental Stewardship Mark LeChevallier in a statement. “Disposable plastic bottles are burdening our landfills and increasing fuel consumption through their production and delivery.”
Participants can complete a voluntary online pledge form at www.amwater125.com (http://www.amwater125.com). As consumers complete the pledge form, they are asked to estimate the number of bottles of water per week they consume, and the site will track the “savings” to the environment over the course of the year.
The campaign also points out that tap water costs less than water in refillable bottles. Consumers drinking the recommended eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day from the tap may spend approximately $3.65 a year. Purchasing the same amount in bottled water can add up to $1,400 annually, according to American Water. The company also points out that tap water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and must meet stringent quality requirements.
Read more about the “America on Tap” campaign.
