Hey Kids! Make Saving Water an Art

Children throughout New Jersey will have the opportunity to use their artistic talents to promote water conservation. New Jersey American Water is sponsoring its "Save Our Water” art contest for children from ages seven to 12 and the winner will be featured in a video that demonstrates how to save water at home.

The contest asks children to create their own drawings using the theme "What my family can do to save water this summer,” and to incorporate the New Jersey American Water’s mascot "Splash.” In a new series of New Jersey American Water educational videos that demonstrate the value of water, Splash – a cartoon water drop – serves as host. The contest deadline is June 30.

The first-place winner will join Splash in a new water conservation video and also receive a $100 gift card. Second and third place prizes include a $50 and a $25 gift card, respectively. All participants will receive a New Jersey American Water coloring book, a leak detection kit for their home, and stickers.

"Summer is typically the time of year when we use the most water and during long periods of hot, dry weather, water supply can become a concern,” said John Bigelow, president of New Jersey American Water. "This contest is designed to remind us all that it is important to conserve water and that there are simple things we can do every day to reduce our water use. We wish everyone the best in this contest and we cannot wait to see the entries.”

For entry rules and a template of Splash art, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com. To view educational videos featuring Splash, please visit www.youtube.com/njamwater.

New Jersey American Water, a wholly owned 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 2.5 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 approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125^th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.