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Drinking Water Week Toasts Health Benefits of Tap Water

New Haven, CT, May 8, 2017 – During this Drinking Water Week (May 7-13), the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) are challenging residents in the region to “Rethink Your Drink” and cut down on sugary beverages such as soda, energy drinks and fruit juice, and replace them with healthier choices such as tap water.

“Making small changes like swapping out sugary drinks for water can make a big difference in your health and lower your risk for cardiovascular diseases,” said Angelina Stackpole, director for the American Heart Association in Greater New Haven.  “To live a long healthy life, the AHA recommends that individuals only consume 6-8 teaspoons of sugar daily. However, an average 20-ounce bottle of soda contains 16-18 teaspoons of sugar. Overconsumption of sugar is linked not only to obesity and diabetes, but also to diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, arthritis and even some cancers.  One of the best alternatives is readily available to everyone at practically no cost: tap water.”

“Water is essential to the health and well-being of the region and we take great pride in the delivery of this life-sustaining product,” said Larry Bingaman, president and CEO of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority. “Tap water is nature’s original refreshment drink and it is a versatile replacement for sugary ones.  Our number one priority at the RWA is to reliably provide high-quality drinking water. Our water consistently meets or is better than the water quality standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Connecticut Department of Public Health.”

“Drinking water every day is a powerful step toward a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Keith Churchwell of the Heart and Vascular Center of Yale New Haven Hospital. “It regulates body temperature, flushes out toxins, aids in digestion and balances blood sugar, to name a few of its benefits. Keeping the body hydrated helps the heart more easily pump blood through the blood vessels to the muscles. If you’re well hydrated, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard.”

But for some, water isn’t the most exciting drink. There are fun and tasty alternatives to make water less boring, such as chilled tap water infused with fruits like citrus and berries, vegetables including cucumbers and carrots, and herbs such as cilantro, mint and rosemary.

This Drinking Water Week, join the RWA and the AHA in raising a glass of infused tap water and sip your way to better health.  For more information and to learn about water-infused recipes you can make at home, visit rwater.com and healthyforgood.heart.org.

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About the Regional Water Authority

The South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) delivers water for life by providing high-quality water and services to almost 430,000 people in 15 cities and towns throughout Greater New Haven. Across its operations, the RWA acts as a responsible steward of the environment by protecting the more than 27,000 acres of watershed land it owns and promoting sustainable and conscious business practices. Our more than 260 employees work toward our vision of being an innovative water utility that sustains life, strengthens communities and protects natural resources for future generations. For more information on the RWA, please visit www.rwater.com.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.