AAW Conservation Team Encourages Customers to Improve Water Efficiency PHOENIX, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Because minor water leaks account for more than one trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes, EPA's WaterSense program has declared March 16 to 20, 2009, the program's first "Fix a Leak Week" to remind Americans to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. "Leaks can account for 11,000 gallons of water wasted in the home every year, or enough to fill a backyard swimming pool," said President of Arizona American Water, Paul Townsley. "By raising awareness in our partnership with the EPA WaterSense, water conservation not only saves our customers money, but it also helps to preserve the environment and meet future water needs." To help consumers across the country save water, the WaterSense program promotes ways to identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets, and leaky showerheads. In most cases, fixture replacement parts can be installed by do-it-yourselfers and pay for themselves in no time. Following are a few water-saving tips: -- Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense labeled model. -- Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Replacing the rubber flapper is a quick fix that could save a home up to 200 gallons of water per day. -- For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench. -- Landscape irrigation systems should be checked each spring before use to make sure they are not damaged by frost or freezing. If homeowners have to replace a plumbing fixture, EPA reminds them to look for the WaterSense label. WaterSense labeled toilets and faucets have been independently tested and certified to save water and perform as well as or better than standard models. WaterSense also partners with certified landscape irrigation auditors, designers, installers, and maintenance professionals with water-efficiency knowledge; see http://www.epa.gov/watersense to find a WaterSense irrigation partner in your area. For more information on Fix a Leak Week, visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak. WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect the future of our nation's water supply by promoting and enhancing the market for water-efficient products and services. WaterSense labeled products must achieve independent, third-party testing and certification to prove they meet EPA's criteria for efficiency and performance. For more information about WaterSense labeled products and irrigation partners, visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense. Arizona American Water Arizona 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 and/or wastewater services to more than 300,000 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 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting http://www.amwater.com/. DATASOURCE: Arizona American Water CONTACT: Joni McGlothlin of Arizona American Water, +1-623-445-2456, Web Site: http://www.amwater.com/

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