CAMPAIGN FOR CLEAN RIVERS AND DRINKING WATER LAUNCHES AS NATION FACES 
DROUGHT CONDITIONS

The RiverSmart public education campaign includes a three-year television, radio and print advertising program and grassroots efforts to encourage individuals to change everyday behaviors to improve water quality.  Hundreds of grassroots river and watershed groups will promote the campaign in their local communities. Locally, Charles River Watershed Association will be coordinating campaign efforts and serve as a contact for Riversmart.  Additionally, the riversmart.org website serves as a comprehensive resource to help people better understand river pollution and its impact on drinking water, fish and wildlife.

The campaign launch this year marks the 30^th anniversary of the passage of the Clean Water Act, the nation's primary federal law protecting lakes, rivers and underground water supplies.

Today more than 40% of all rivers are too polluted for uses such as fishing and swimming, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Sixty-percent of the nation’s drinking water comes directly from rivers and streams.

Ken Margolis, president of River Network, said, “Everybody lives in a watershed and our rivers are closer than we think. Many Americans do not realize their daily activities have a substantial impact on water quality. We have an opportunity to affect people’s attitudes about clean rivers and their importance in our lives, communities and to the economy.  We are deeply grateful to Swiss Re for their generous support and leadership which has enabled us to bring the message of being RiverSmart to everyone across the country. In these times when various regions are experiencing drought conditions, we believe the theme of sustainability will have more resonance and encourage people to take action.”

Adrienne Atwell, Environmental Liability Manager of Swiss Re, said, “Swiss Re is a dedicated and committed stakeholder in the dialogue on sustainable water issues. Water is needed to sustain life and River Network’s commitment to river conservation, and ultimately good quality water, is extremely commendable.  We are proud to play an instrumental role in RiverSmart, underscoring our commitment to heighten awareness for clean drinking water.”

According to a recent poll conducted by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates on behalf of National Geographic, most Americans are unaware that rivers supply the majority of America’s drinking water. Additionally, two-thirds of Americans believe "big-pipe industrial and municipal polluters" are the main source of pollution in our rivers, although the Environmental Protection Agency reports that precipitation run-off from agriculture and household items such as motor oil, fertilizer and debris from driveways, lawns and roofs is now the leading cause of water pollution in America. 

“Protecting our rivers and the quality of our drinking water is the number one environmental concern of 98% of Americans and they want to get involved. But in most cases, they don’t know how to help or may be unaware that their everyday actions impact the quality of water,” added Margolis.

The RiverSmart campaign will help teach people how to make simple changes in everyday behaviors to help the nation’s rivers. Indoor activities that help rivers include fixing leaky faucets and toilets, turning off the tap water while brushing teeth and washing the dishes, running the washing machine and dishwasher only when there’ s a full load, and installing water-saving showerheads and low-flush toilets.

Outside the home, people can dispose of household cleaners, paint and other chemicals safely, use a broom—instead of a hose—to clean off the driveway, patio or sidewalk, water the lawn in the morning or evening, fix car leaks promptly and use caution when changing motor oil. Such activities will positively impact both the quality and quantity of rivers and drinking water.

For more information, visit www.riversmart.org

About River Network

River Network is the nation’s leader in organizing and supporting America’s community-based river and watershed conservation movement.  Based in Portland, Oregon, River Network was founded in 1988  with the conviction that the solutions to river degradation are primarily local and must be created by citizen action, watershed by watershed.  River Network has offices in Oregon, Vermont and Washington, D.C.  For information, visit www.rivernetwork.org or call (503) 241-3506.

About Swiss Re

Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Swiss Re, one of the world's largest reinsurers, has approximately 8,000 employees worldwide in over 70 offices in more than 30 countries. Through its scientists, researchers and actuaries, Swiss Re provides research and expertise through its award-winning sigma studies, proprietary publications, seminars and high-level forums held at the company's Centre for Global Dialogue in Rüschlikon, Switzerland.

Swiss Re’s gross premiums in 2001 amounted to CHF 28.5 billion (USD 16.9 billion). Swiss Re has a strong track record of earnings growth only interrupted in 2001 with a net loss of CHF 165 million (USD 97.8 million), largely due to the 11 September event. At the end of 2001, Swiss Re's shareholders' equity amounted to CHF 22.6 billion (USD 13.6 billion) and the total balance sheet stood at CHF 170 billion (USD 102.4 billion).  Swiss Re is rated "AAA" by Standard & Poor's, "Aaa" by Moody's and "A++" by A.M. Best.

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