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Iowa American Water Offers Tips to Help Customers Use Water Wisely this Summer

Davenport, Iowa. (July 20, 2021) – With summer in full swing, Iowa American Water is offering tips to customers to help avoid the water overuse pitfalls that frequently happen this time of year. These tips and insights are designed to help customers save money while alleviating stress on water supplies and infrastructure as we head into the warmer summer months.

“Summer months tend to be a very water-centric season. People have lawns and gardens to maintain, swimming pools to fill and tons of water-related activities to enjoy — not to mention the increase in water consumption simply because hot weather requires individuals to drink more water,” said Brad Nielsen, Vice President of Operations for Iowa American Water. ““Unfortunately, many customers don’t think about the amount of water they are using ‘in the moment’, and the reality hits when they get a higher water bill. Our goal is to raise our customers’ awareness and help them be proactive with simple tips they can implement now that allow them to save later.”

Iowa American Water wants to remind customers of the value and finite supply of water, while empowering them with tips they can use every day to reduce usage and save money. Here are some wise water tips for outdoor water use:

  • Reuse it. Use water from rain barrels and kiddie pools for watering your lawn and gardens.
  • Embrace the bucket! Instead of using a running hose, use water contained in a bucket for washing cars and pets, and rinsing dirty or grassy feet.
  • Timing is everything. Only water during the coolest parts of the day (early morning or evening) to minimize evaporation. Also, be aware of which plants don’t need to be watered every day.
  • Odd/Even Watering of your lawn. Watering your lawn uses a lot of water, so only water your lawn when it needs it. Generally, lawns only need an inch or so of water per week.
  • Rain delay. Watch weather forecast to avoid “Mother Nature” re-watering your garden, which could also damage plants.
  • Pick your plants wisely. Purchase varieties that require less water and remain hearty in drier weather, and don’t forget to mulch (only 2-3”) to help with water retention.
  • Be a leak detective. Find and fix leaks and breaks in hoses, sprinkler systems and pipes. For help, download Iowa Water’s Leak Detection Kit at iowaamwater.com under Water Information.
  • Raise the blade. Raise the level of your lawnmower blade to avoid lawn burnout and the need for watering.
  • Keep an eye out. Watch your sprinkler’s “sweep” to make sure all the water is reaching vegetation that needs it and not the pavement! Check this frequently in case a person or animal has accidentally redirected your sprinkler.

More tips for indoor and outdoor water use can be found on Iowa American Water’s website at iowaamwater.com.

In addition, the company wants to remind lower income customers that they may qualify to receive emergency assistance in paying their water bill through Iowa American Water’s H2O Help to Others Program, which is administered by Community Action of Eastern Iowa. More information is available at www.iowaamwater.com.

Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 213,000 people. For more information, visit www.iowaamwater.com and follow Iowa American Water on Twitter and Facebook.


Media Contacts

Lisa Reisen

External Affairs Manager

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lisa.reisen@amwater.com