California American Water Sponsors Water Wise Garden at Howard Pence Elementary School

California American Water announced today the design, construction and installation of a water conservation garden at Howard Pence Elementary School located at 877 Via Tonga Court, San Diego, CA 92154. The Pence Elementary Children's Garden was inspired by teacher Bonnie Rosario's class visit to The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College where her students learned firsthand about wise water use and the different types of plants that don’t need as much water for a beautiful garden. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at Howard Pence Elementary, Friday, April 29, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. celebrating the completion of the Children’s Garden.

“This wonderful project will help teach students and the residents of San Diego about the importance of local water supplies,” said Robert Daily, Principal of Howard Pence Elementary. “I want to thank Lowe’s in Eastlake, The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College and California American Water for their leadership and support.”

The completed demonstration garden, funded by two five-thousand dollar grants from The Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program and California American Water, includes a majority of beautiful low-water-use plants and shrubs that require less irrigation and maintenance compared to a traditional lawn. Ms. Smarty-Plants from The Water Conservation Garden provided the design, layout and type of foliage at the Children’s Garden that is comprised of a reading area and signage educating parents and students about the various plants that require very little water.

“Drought tolerant landscaping is a practical and an easy way to enjoy plants that will thrive in your garden with less maintenance and watering,” said Pam Meisner, The Conservation Garden’s Ms. Smarty-Plants. “A myth persists that water conservation gardens are stark and unappealing. This is not true. The plants selected for Howard Pence Elementary School garden showcase the variety of plant colors, textures and beauty available for low-water gardening.”

Up to 60 percent of all residential water is used on outdoor irrigation throughout the state. Landscaping with low-water-use plants is an example of how people can easily save our most precious resource.

“This water wise garden, located in a high-visibility area, is a template for students and our customers on how to reduce their water use,” said Patrick Pilz, California American Water’s manager of conservation and efficiencies. “I encourage people to stop by and take a look, and hope they will consider a California-friendly garden in lieu of a large lawn.”

California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 600,000 people. California American Water’s San Diego County service district includes approximately 21,000 households and businesses and serves a population of about 95,000 people, in the cities of Coronado, Imperial Beach, south Chula Vista, and parts of south San Diego.

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 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.