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VOORHEES, N.J.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--In honor of Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, American Water (NYSE: AWK), the nationas largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility, is reminding consumers about the importance of water infrastructure for fire protection, and providing tips for helping to maintain hydrants.

"American Water invests $800 million to $1 billion annually to make infrastructure improvements that benefit its customers, including needed upgrades to hydrants, booster stations and other systems that are critical to fire protection"

According to FEMA, fire-related deaths have dropped significantly, from about 12,000 in 1974 to 3,245 in 2006, and the number continues to decrease. Water infrastructure plays a critical role, for example, the increasing nationwide availability of highly pressurized hydrants allows emergency workers to extinguish blazes with increasing speed and effectiveness.

aAmerican Water invests $800 million to $1 billion annually to make infrastructure improvements that benefit its customers, including needed upgrades to hydrants, booster stations and other systems that are critical to fire protection,a said Walter Lynch, American Wateras president and chief operating officer of regulated operations. aMaking investments into well-maintained water systems helps firefighters to continue protecting the health and safety of our communities.a

Lynch noted that consumers play an important role in this effort, as a portion of their water bills goes toward these critical investments to keep their communityas infrastructure strong.

Consumers can also play a role in helping to keep fire hydrants dependable and in good working order through the following tips:

• Keep fire hydrants clear of debris. Although theyare usually located curbside, avoid parking trash bags and recycling buckets too close.
• Give hydrants breathing room. Donat plant flowers or shrubs next them.
• Mow around fire hydrants. If weeds or grass are enveloping them, make sure to trim around them during yard work.
• Shovel the snow and ice around hydrants. A municipal employee might be along to do that at some point, but why wait until itas too late?
• If a fire hydrant appears damaged, is overflowing or the snow flag is missing, donat assume the authorities know about it. Report the situation, including the hydrantas location, to the local fire department immediately.
• For your safety and that of others, never park in front of or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, even just for a few minutes.

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 at [ www.amwater.com ].

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