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Arizona American Water & EPA Team Up for 'Fix a Leak Week' March 15-21st, 2010

The EPA estimates that more than a trillion gallons of water are lost annually nationwide through leaks occurring within our homes, with the average residence losing 11,000 gallons a year this way.

Through the "Fix a Leak Week" campaign in partnership with local water purveyors like Arizona American Water, this number can be significantly reduced. This is particularly important in both Sun City and Sun City West, where every drop counts.

Arizona American Water has been a regional leader in water conservation and gladly partnered with the EPA to promote this campaign.

"The people of Sun City and Sun City West realize that reducing water use is not only key to the long term sustainability of the region's water supply but also helps save money," said Paul Townsley, President of Arizona American Water. "That is why we are asking residents to be responsible and help eliminate wasteful water leaks."

During this week, Arizona American Water is encouraging its customers to follow some simple tips to identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets and leaky showerheads. In many cases, fixture replacement parts can be installed by the customer and often pay for themselves quickly. Some of those tips include:

    --  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.
    --  Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and,
        if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense-labeled model.
    --  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 were 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. For more information on Fix a Leak Week, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.

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 approximately 350,000 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 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

SOURCE Arizona American Water