ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--About 150 paddlers will compete in the Missouri American Water Missouri River 340 (MR340) – a three to four-day canoe/kayak race from Kansas City, Ks. to St. Charles, Mo. The racers will cover 340 miles across the state – celebrating the importance of the longest river in the U.S. to Missouri’s history, environmental diversity and as a source of drinking water to millions of people.
Missouri American Water is sponsoring the race to promote watershed education. “This race represents an opportunity to reconnect Missourians with our river,” said Missouri American Water President Frank Kartmann. “The Missouri River is the source of drinking water in many communities. The water systems that treat and deliver water are vital to the health, safety and economic prosperity of our communities.”
The Missouri American Water MR 340 begins at the confluence of the Missouri and Kaw Rivers at Kaw Point Park, at 8:00 a.m., on Tuesday, October 11, 2011. Weather conditions may affect race start time.
Staff from Rivermiles, the canoe race organizers, Missouri American Water, Missouri River Relief and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 will join the racers, their ground crews and supporters at the launch – providing information about the importance of watershed protection to preserving the Missouri River.
The Noren Access in North Jefferson City is a significant milestone along the race route. Paddlers are expected to start arriving early Wednesday morning October 12.
Trophies and bragging rights await the race winners as they cross the finish line at the Lewis and Clark boathouse on the St. Charles, Mo. riverfront. Based on past race results, winners are expected to arrive early in the morning of Thursday, October 13. The awards ceremony will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2011 under the tent next to the boathouse.
Protecting our rivers starts with six simple steps:
- Recycle –don’t litter!
- Remember that storm inlets drain to rivers – don’t pour oil or chemicals in the street.
- Plant native plants. They support wildlife, help preserve our natural diversity and require no fertilizer or herbicides.
- Use lawn chemicals sparingly and follow directions.
- Plant a rain garden to capture runoff from rain water.
- Join a local stream clean-up team
Missouri American Water
Missouri American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people.
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.