Pennsylvania American Water Kicks Off Art Contest to “Protect Our Watersheds”

Three winning students to be selected from eastern and western Pennsylvania

HERSHEY, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pennsylvania American Water announced today that entries are now being accepted for its Ninth Annual “Protect Our Watersheds” Art Contest. Open to fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders in schools served by Pennsylvania American Water – and to individual students who live in the company’s service area, the contest encourages children to draw on their artistic talents to convey the importance of protecting Pennsylvania’s watersheds and water resources.

“The art contest is a fun and imaginative way to draw children’s attention to the importance of protecting Pennsylvania’s water resources”

Pennsylvania American Water recently mailed contest applications to approximately 400 schools in its service territory. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2011. Winners will be selected based on creative vision, artistic talent, understanding of watershed protection and the ability to communicate that understanding. As part of their entry, students must write a brief narrative on the personal impact of watershed protection.

“The art contest is a fun and imaginative way to draw children’s attention to the importance of protecting Pennsylvania’s water resources,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Kathy L. Pape. “By participating, the students not only learn a valuable environmental lesson, but they also have the chance to win great prizes and earn positive recognition for their school.”

In 2010, the company received more than 700 entries from students across the state. The grand prize winner was Taylor Ruffo of Spring-Ford Intermediate School in Royersford, Montgomery County.

Six students will receive prizes, with a first-, second- and third-place winner selected from eastern and western Pennsylvania. First-place winners will be rewarded with a $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble. Two second- and third-place winners will be awarded a $50 and $25 gift card, respectively. The overall grand prize winner will have her/his artwork featured on “Bloomer” cards distributed by Pennsylvania American Water. Bloomer cards are seed-filled packets that, when planted and tended, produce a variety of wildflowers.

All entrants will receive a Watershed Champion certificate. Awards will be presented in May as part of National Drinking Water Week activities. For more information, or to obtain contest materials, log onto Pennsylvania American Water’s Web site at www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com.

Pennsylvania American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.2 million 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 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.