Arizona American Water reminds customers to stay hydrated before summer temperatures soar into the triple digits.

For the third year in a row, Arizona American Water participated with the Sun City Salvation Army, and emergency services from Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Westbrook Village and Youngtown to assist residents who may suffer from dehydration.

  • Arizona American Water donated hundreds of bottles of water Monday, May 16th at 9:30 a.m. at the Sun City Salvation Army.

"I think this is a great way for us to contribute to members of our community when they are in need and a constant reminder of how important a resource water is here in the desert," said Paul Townsley, President of Arizona American Water. "We want to remind our customers to be safe in the summer heat and drink plenty of water."

The human body is more than 60 percent water, and even 2 percent dehydration can reduce a person's work capacity by 12 to 15 percent. When that happens, your body does not function properly and you can lose mental clarity. That can make you susceptible to poor decision making, accidents and injury. You can also develop an electrolyte imbalance, muscle cramps, and continued exposure to heat without proper hydration can lead to heat stroke.

Medical experts agree that men should have more than 13 eight-ounce glasses of water a day, and women need nine. Pregnant women and nursing mothers may need more. The ideal amount varies with the individual and conditions such as activity.

Keeping hydrated is also vital during exercise and when striving to maintain a healthy weight. Proper hydration helps quash appetite, which is good for those who are health conscious or trying to lose a few pounds. Experts recommend drinking plenty of water before exercise -- two cups of water one to two hours before, and another two cups 10 to 15 minutes before. During exercise drink an average of half a cup every 15 minutes, and afterward, drink two cups or more for every pound you lost through sweat [CNN- How much water do you need?]

Arizona American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 350,000 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 125th 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.

Arizona American Water
Joni McGlothlin, 623-445-2456
Mobile: 623-238-0671
joni.mcglothlin@amwater.com