American Water Resources of Texas Offers Service Line Protection to Homeowners in Houston through Ci

Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
Updated

American Water Resources of Texas Offers Service Line Protectionto Homeowners in Houston through City-Sponsored Program

VOORHEES, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYS: AWK) , the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, announced today that its American Water Resources of Texas subsidiary is now registered with the City of Houston as a Private Utility Repair Service Company and is offering its Water Line and Sewer Line Protection Programs to more than 500,000 homeowners in Houston through an educational program sponsored by the city.

The nation's water and wastewater infrastructure is in desperate need of repair and replacement, with more than 7 billion gallons of treated drinking water lost to leaks in utility pipes every day across the country. In fact, the City of Houston ranks eighth nationally for cities with water system leakages. As of 2010, 45 percent of all pipes are in poor shape according to the National Association of Water Companies and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Similarly, homeowners' pipes are also experiencing leaks and breaks due to age, tree roots and shifting soil due to weather and climate changes. American Water Resources of Texas' data shows that nine out of ten water line repairs occur in homes over 20 years of age.


Houston homeowners will receive information about American Water Resources of Texas in the mail and homeowners should have received a related educational insert in their City of Houston water bill earlier this month. Residents may enroll in these optional protection programs or obtain additional information online at AWRofTX.com/Houston or by calling 866-273-3526.

American Water Resources of Texas' Water Line Protection and Sewer Line Protection Programs provide homeowners with comprehensive protection from the costs associated with leaks and breaks in water lines, as well as clogs or blockages in sewer lines running through their property. As cited in a recent Houston Advocate consumer affairs blog, these repairs are not typically covered by homeowners' insurance or the City of Houston.

American Water Resources of Texas is offering homeowners the following programs:

  • The Water Line Protection Program enrollment is $5 per month and covers up to $5,000 in repairs

  • The Sewer Line Protection Program enrollment is $9 per month and covers up to $8,000 in repairs

  • Combined enrollment in both programs is available for $12 per month and includes the same coverage as the individual programs

American Water Resources, a national affiliate and subsidiary of American Water, has provided service line protection to homeowners for more than 12 years and is uniquely qualified to provide these programs to homeowners for the following reasons:

  • American Water Resources services over one million customer contracts throughout 35 states

  • The company provides 24/7 customer service and has a Customer Service Quality Rating of 96%

  • American Water Resources is a Better Business Bureau accredited business with an A+ Rating

  • American Water Resources has experience working with city officials to provide reliable coverage to residents. American Water Resources is the official service line protection provider for New York City, offering programs to more than 670,000 homeowners in the City's five boroughs, in partnership with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

"Until they experience a service line problem, many homeowners are unaware that they may be responsible for repairs to the water and sewer pipes on their property. So we are pleased to be working with the City of Houston to educate homeowners about this issue and to offer programs that help protect them from the potentially high cost of these repairs," said Barbara Boyarsky, Vice President and General Manager, American Water Resources of Texas.

"Another benefit of enrollment in these programs is that homeowners don't need to go through the hassle of finding a qualified, trustworthy contractor to make what can be an emergency repair," said Boyarsky. "American Water Resources of Texas establishes and maintains a network of local, licensed independent plumbing contractors. Our customers can be assured of receiving expedient and effective service. We already have an established contractor network in the Houston area, which services claims for our existing 8,500 customers in this region and ensures repairs are made according to Houston code."

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 approximately 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 30 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.

Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for American Water.



American Water
Denise Venuti Free
External Communications Manager
856-309-4690
denise.free@amwater.com

KEYWORDS: United States North America New Jersey Texas

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

The article American Water Resources of Texas Offers Service Line Protection to Homeowners in Houston through City-Sponsored Program originally appeared on Fool.com.

Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Originally published