As Summer Sizzles, Virginia American Water Offers 7 Ways to Savor Your Tap Water

In addition to being one of the hottest months of the year, August is also Water Quality Month, which is a good time to recognize and celebrate the high quality water that comes from your tap. Here are some refreshing ways to savor your tap water, which meets more stringent standards than bottled water, and is more than a thousand times cheaper. These seven “hydration creations” are brought to you by Virginia’s largest privately owned water company, Virginia American Water.

1. Fill a large jug with water, add your favorite sliced fruit and ice, and refrigerate overnight for a water that’s got punch.
2. For a juicier island snack, let pineapple chunks soak in water for at least two hours, then savor them.
3. Instead of the same old lemon or lime in your water, try other citrus, like a squeeze of orange or tangerine. Or try a combination of any or all of them.
4. Mash up blueberries or raspberries in the bottom of your glass, then add ice and water.
5. Tear up some fresh mint leaves (or another favorite herb such as rosemary), add ice and drink a beverage that provides a fresh, energizing lift.
6. Freeze clementine slices or grapes to use as ice cubes.
7. Add a slice of your favorite fruit and a splash of simple or agave syrup, or some artificial sweetener to give your water a kiss of sweetness.

“With the abundance of water-based beverages on the store shelves, people are being lulled into purchasing something they don’t need. With these recipes, we hope to rekindle awareness that the healthiest, cheapest beverage – tap water – is still the best, and just steps away,” said Virginia American Water President William R. Walsh.

“More importantly, our tap water undergoes rigorous testing on a daily basis to meet the strict standards set by EPA and enforced by the Virginia Department of Health. We hope people will stop buying plastic bottles filled with what they already have at home,” added Walsh.

Virginia 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 339,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Headquartered in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information at www.amwater.com.