Pennsylvania American Water Kicks Off Social Media Drive to Showcase Tap Water’s Benefits Over Bottled Water

Pennsylvania American Water announced today the launch of a social media campaign inviting consumers to post photos of themselves using reusable water bottles, and the company will send each entrant a free water bottle. The campaign runs through October 15, 2012.

“We are encouraging Pennsylvanians to declare and celebrate their choice of tap water over bottled water by showing us reusable water bottles in action,” said Terry Maenza, Pennsylvania American Water director of communications and external affairs. “By choosing the convenience and low cost of tap water, customers can easily and inexpensively fill and refill their water bottles for about a penny per gallon.”

To participate, take a picture of yourself using a reusable water bottle during your daily routine, on vacation or at play, and share it on Pennsylvania American Water’s Facebook or Twitter pages by October 15, 2012. In return, the company will send entrants a free reusable water bottle. The free water bottles will be limited to the first 500 people who submit photos.

In addition to the remarkable value of tap water, Pennsylvania American Water said the campaign reinforces the environmental benefits of tap versus bottled water. According to research conducted by the Pacific Institute for Studies in Development Environment and Security in Oakland, California, bottled water consumes as much as 2,000 times more energy than tap water.

“We also hope the campaign helps to further engage our customers through social media,” said Maenza. Pennsylvania American Water’s Facebook and Twitter pages provide real-time information, including:

• Important water service information and emergency notification.
• Updates on water and wastewater construction projects.
• Information on customer programs, community events and environmental initiatives.
• Conservation and watershed protection tips.

Participants should post their photos on the company’s social media sites at www.facebook.com/pennsylvaniaamwater or www.twitter.com/paamwater. Official rules and guidelines are available on Facebook and the company’s website at www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com.

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.2 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded 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 an estimated 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.