AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

Public Affairs Advisory

Who: First Lady Michelle Obama
What: Campaign to 'drink more water'
When: To launch Thursday, Sept. 12

First Lady Michelle Obama is expected to publicly launch a new campaign tomorrow that urges people to drink more water as part of her Let’s Move! campaign to fight obesity. Plans are to announce the campaign at an event in Watertown, Wisconsin, where the Watertown Water Department won the 2010 Wisconsin Water Association Taste Test.

While the full content of the campaign message is not yet known, it is expected to promote the health benefits of water over sugary drinks. News reports indicate that actress Eva Longoria will also be involved in the announcement.

Water utility leaders and public affairs personnel may want to consider how to use the enhanced visibility of water’s health benefits as an opportunity to promote the quality and value of their community tap water.

AWWA’s book Plain Talk About Drinking Water points out that the Mayo Clinic recommends drinking a glass of water with each meal and between each meal, hydrating before, during and after exercise, and substituting sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings.

Additionally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has helpful information on the benefits of drinking water.

AWWA also commented on this campaign on its Drinktap.org blog.

Questions? Please contact AWWA Director of Communications Greg Kail, 303.734.3410.