Month: April 2026

Simple Ways to Make Earth Day Every Day

SAN DIEGO, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In recognition of Earth Day, California American Water is highlighting the importance of protecting local water resources through environmental stewardship, strategic infrastructure investment and community engagement.

Serving approximately 720,000 people across California, the company works year-round to protect water at its source while delivering safe, reliable service to homes and businesses across California.

“Protecting water starts long before it reaches the tap,” said Sarah Leeper, President of California American Water. “Our employees are committed every day to strengthening infrastructure, safeguarding local water resources and supporting the communities we serve.”

California American also encourages customers to take simple steps at home that help conserve water and protect this vital resource, including fixing leaks, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, running full loads of laundry and dishes and properly disposing of household items like batteries, paint and unused medications.

For more Earth Day information and resources, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Earth Day website: epa.gov/earthday.

This Saturday, April 25, is also National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, organized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Unneeded medications can be safely disposed of at official drop-off locations across California from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Find local drop-off locations and more information at dea.gov/takebackday.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About California American Water 
California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water with approximately 300 dedicated employees, provides safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 720,000 people.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-american-water-celebrates-earth-day-with-water-saving-tips-302749327.html

SOURCE American Water

Simple Ways to Make Earth Day Every Day

SAN DIEGO, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In recognition of Earth Day, California American Water is highlighting the importance of protecting local water resources through environmental stewardship, strategic infrastructure investment and community engagement.

Serving approximately 720,000 people across California, the company works year-round to protect water at its source while delivering safe, reliable service to homes and businesses across California.

“Protecting water starts long before it reaches the tap,” said Sarah Leeper, President of California American Water. “Our employees are committed every day to strengthening infrastructure, safeguarding local water resources and supporting the communities we serve.”

California American also encourages customers to take simple steps at home that help conserve water and protect this vital resource, including fixing leaks, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, running full loads of laundry and dishes and properly disposing of household items like batteries, paint and unused medications.

For more Earth Day information and resources, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Earth Day website: epa.gov/earthday.

This Saturday, April 25, is also National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, organized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Unneeded medications can be safely disposed of at official drop-off locations across California from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Find local drop-off locations and more information at dea.gov/takebackday.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About California American Water 
California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water with approximately 300 dedicated employees, provides safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 720,000 people.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-american-water-celebrates-earth-day-with-water-saving-tips-302749327.html

SOURCE American Water

Simple Ways to Make Earth Day Every Day

SAN DIEGO, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In recognition of Earth Day, California American Water is highlighting the importance of protecting local water resources through environmental stewardship, strategic infrastructure investment and community engagement.

Serving approximately 720,000 people across California, the company works year-round to protect water at its source while delivering safe, reliable service to homes and businesses across California.

“Protecting water starts long before it reaches the tap,” said Sarah Leeper, President of California American Water. “Our employees are committed every day to strengthening infrastructure, safeguarding local water resources and supporting the communities we serve.”

California American also encourages customers to take simple steps at home that help conserve water and protect this vital resource, including fixing leaks, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, running full loads of laundry and dishes and properly disposing of household items like batteries, paint and unused medications.

For more Earth Day information and resources, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Earth Day website: epa.gov/earthday.

This Saturday, April 25, is also National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, organized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Unneeded medications can be safely disposed of at official drop-off locations across California from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Find local drop-off locations and more information at dea.gov/takebackday.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About California American Water 
California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water with approximately 300 dedicated employees, provides safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 720,000 people.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-american-water-celebrates-earth-day-with-water-saving-tips-302749327.html

SOURCE American Water

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Earth Day, the Great Mother March will arrive on the National Mall, completing a 32-day walking pilgrimage from Asheville, North Carolina. The gathering stands as the only Earth Day event taking place on the National Mall this year, offering a distinct and meaningful moment of connection, reflection, and collective intention.

At a time when the landscape of environmental advocacy is evolving, the Great Mother March brings a renewed expression of care for Mother Earth grounded not in urgency alone, but in relationship, presence, and shared experience.

The March is a walking pilgrimage honoring Mother Earth, the feminine principle, and the interconnection between humanity and the natural world. Participants have journeyed together through small, rural communities, feeling welcomed, supported and inspired by each one. The Monks’ Walk for Peace affirmed the call Whitney Freya felt in December 2024 to create The Great Mother March & inspired the community’s participation.

The Earth Day arrival invites the public into a culminating gathering centered on creativity, community, and reverence for life. Programming on the Mall will include guided reflection, creative expression, and community connection, alongside contributions from spiritual leaders, artists, and advocates. Amanda Hendker Voss, minister of First Congregational Church D.C., will offer remarks, bringing a faith-based perspective on stewardship, care, and collective responsibility.

More than a traditional event, the Great Mother March reflects a broader cultural shift toward relational living where the Earth is not viewed as a resource, but as a living system we belong to and care for.

“What we’re witnessing is the power of community.  On the March, we have experienced connection with people met at diners and gas stations, each one honored and echoed the desire to return to an environment of mutual respect and cooperation,” said the Founder, Whitney Freya.

In a time of increasing environmental urgency and social fragmentation, the Great Mother March offers a grounded and hopeful expression of what becomes possible when people come together in reverence, creativity, and shared purpose.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Location: National Mall, Washington, D.C.
Occasion: Earth Day Arrival of the Great Mother March
Learn More: https://www.greatmothermarch.com/home-1

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/great-mother-march-completes-32-day-walk-of-love-arrives-on-national-mall-as-only-earth-day-gathering-302749244.html

SOURCE Great Mother March

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Earth Day, the Great Mother March will arrive on the National Mall, completing a 32-day walking pilgrimage from Asheville, North Carolina. The gathering stands as the only Earth Day event taking place on the National Mall this year, offering a distinct and meaningful moment of connection, reflection, and collective intention.

At a time when the landscape of environmental advocacy is evolving, the Great Mother March brings a renewed expression of care for Mother Earth grounded not in urgency alone, but in relationship, presence, and shared experience.

The March is a walking pilgrimage honoring Mother Earth, the feminine principle, and the interconnection between humanity and the natural world. Participants have journeyed together through small, rural communities, feeling welcomed, supported and inspired by each one. The Monks’ Walk for Peace affirmed the call Whitney Freya felt in December 2024 to create The Great Mother March & inspired the community’s participation.

The Earth Day arrival invites the public into a culminating gathering centered on creativity, community, and reverence for life. Programming on the Mall will include guided reflection, creative expression, and community connection, alongside contributions from spiritual leaders, artists, and advocates. Amanda Hendker Voss, minister of First Congregational Church D.C., will offer remarks, bringing a faith-based perspective on stewardship, care, and collective responsibility.

More than a traditional event, the Great Mother March reflects a broader cultural shift toward relational living where the Earth is not viewed as a resource, but as a living system we belong to and care for.

“What we’re witnessing is the power of community.  On the March, we have experienced connection with people met at diners and gas stations, each one honored and echoed the desire to return to an environment of mutual respect and cooperation,” said the Founder, Whitney Freya.

In a time of increasing environmental urgency and social fragmentation, the Great Mother March offers a grounded and hopeful expression of what becomes possible when people come together in reverence, creativity, and shared purpose.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Location: National Mall, Washington, D.C.
Occasion: Earth Day Arrival of the Great Mother March
Learn More: https://www.greatmothermarch.com/home-1

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/great-mother-march-completes-32-day-walk-of-love-arrives-on-national-mall-as-only-earth-day-gathering-302749244.html

SOURCE Great Mother March

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Earth Day, the Great Mother March will arrive on the National Mall, completing a 32-day walking pilgrimage from Asheville, North Carolina. The gathering stands as the only Earth Day event taking place on the National Mall this year, offering a distinct and meaningful moment of connection, reflection, and collective intention.

At a time when the landscape of environmental advocacy is evolving, the Great Mother March brings a renewed expression of care for Mother Earth grounded not in urgency alone, but in relationship, presence, and shared experience.

The March is a walking pilgrimage honoring Mother Earth, the feminine principle, and the interconnection between humanity and the natural world. Participants have journeyed together through small, rural communities, feeling welcomed, supported and inspired by each one. The Monks’ Walk for Peace affirmed the call Whitney Freya felt in December 2024 to create The Great Mother March & inspired the community’s participation.

The Earth Day arrival invites the public into a culminating gathering centered on creativity, community, and reverence for life. Programming on the Mall will include guided reflection, creative expression, and community connection, alongside contributions from spiritual leaders, artists, and advocates. Amanda Hendker Voss, minister of First Congregational Church D.C., will offer remarks, bringing a faith-based perspective on stewardship, care, and collective responsibility.

More than a traditional event, the Great Mother March reflects a broader cultural shift toward relational living where the Earth is not viewed as a resource, but as a living system we belong to and care for.

“What we’re witnessing is the power of community.  On the March, we have experienced connection with people met at diners and gas stations, each one honored and echoed the desire to return to an environment of mutual respect and cooperation,” said the Founder, Whitney Freya.

In a time of increasing environmental urgency and social fragmentation, the Great Mother March offers a grounded and hopeful expression of what becomes possible when people come together in reverence, creativity, and shared purpose.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Location: National Mall, Washington, D.C.
Occasion: Earth Day Arrival of the Great Mother March
Learn More: https://www.greatmothermarch.com/home-1

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/great-mother-march-completes-32-day-walk-of-love-arrives-on-national-mall-as-only-earth-day-gathering-302749244.html

SOURCE Great Mother March

10 Individuals and Organizations Honored for Work on Behalf of People with Developmental Disabilities

EDITOR/REPORTER NOTE: Additional photos are available upon request.

SANTA ANA, Calif., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) honored 10 individuals and organizations at its 29th annual Spotlight Awards, April 17, 2026 in Garden Grove. Guest-hosted by Orange County Bureau Chief and reporter Michele Gile of CBS Los Angeles, the event was introduced by RCOC Board Chair Sandy Martin. Special guests included Pete Cervinka, Director of the State of California’s Department of Developmental Services and Yang Lee, its Chief Deputy Director.

RCOC created the Spotlight Awards in 1997 to honor those in Orange County who have advanced the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. The 2026 Regional Center of Orange County Spotlight Award recipients are:

• Parent/Family Member: Evelyn Rodriguez, of Hawaiian Gardens
• RCOC Achievement: Jennifer Kennedy, of Cypress; Area Manager, Regional Center of Orange County, Cypress Office
• Direct Support Professional: Martha England, of Fullerton; Job Coach, Westview Services in Anaheim
• Community Partner: Serving Advantage Adaptive Tennis, of Orange
• Healthcare Professional: Eric Doran; Research Manager, UCI Center for Aging Research in Down Syndrome
• Employer: Orange County Fire Authority, of Irvine
• Self-Advocate: John Correa, of Costa Mesa
• Lifetime Achievement: Stuart Haskin; Founder and Executive Director, Get Safe, in Tustin
• Service Provider: Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center of Santa Ana, Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami, Founder and Executive Director
• E. Kurt Yeager Award (for service leadership): Meena Chockalingam, of Irvine; Board Member, Jeena

About Regional Center of Orange County: Regional Center of Orange County is the private, nonprofit organization contracted by the State of California to coordinate lifelong services and supports for more than 29,000 Orange County residents with developmental disabilities and their families. The Regional Center is the first stop for those seeking to obtain local services and supports to help them live safely and with dignity in the community. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disabilities, autism, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Learn more at www.rcocdd.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/regional-center-of-orange-county-announces-2026-spotlight-award-honorees-302749154.html

SOURCE Regional Center of Orange County

With the EPA fast-tracking a new fluoride toxicity review and states banning fluoridation, SoftPro Fluoride Filter is emerging as the whole-house solution U.S. households are seeking.

BOX ELDER, S.D., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From South Dakota to Florida, Texas, and California, one question is surfacing in homes and federal courtrooms alike: Is the fluoride in America’s drinking water safe?

A National Reckoning on Fluoride

In January 2026, the EPA released its Fluoride Human Health Toxicity Assessment Preliminary Plan under the Safe Drinking Water Act — evaluating fluoride’s links to decreased IQ in children, dental fluorosis, skeletal damage, and endocrine disruption. A federal judge had already ordered the EPA to address fluoride’s risk to children’s cognitive development following a National Toxicology Program study linking high fluoride levels to lower IQ scores.

The science is contested. A November 2025 study in Science Advances found children exposed to fluoride at the recommended 0.7 mg/L level performed better on cognitive tests than unexposed peers. Meanwhile, a March 2026 CareQuest Institute analysis warned that fluoridation bans across five states could send 132,000 additional children to dental treatment, adding $40 million to Medicaid costs.

What Is a Fluoride Filter?

A whole house fluoride filter is installed at a home’s main water line, treating every drop before it reaches any tap or appliance. The most effective systems pair bone char carbon — which targets fluoride ions — with catalytic carbon, which removes chloramines, chlorine, VOCs, heavy metals, pesticides, PFAS (forever chemicals), and pharmaceutical byproducts.

SoftPro Fluoride Filter: Built for Every American Home

The SoftPro Fluoride Filter combines 1.0 cu. ft. of catalytic carbon with 0.5 cu. ft. of bone char carbon in a single upflow tank — delivering whole-house filtration for up to six bathrooms, rated for 600,000 to 1,000,000 gallons with zero electricity, salt, or daily maintenance. It carries NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF 372 certifications and is backed by a six-month money-back guarantee and lifetime limited warranty.

PFAS: The Forever Chemical Crisis

Fluoride isn’t America’s only water threat. The USGS estimates 45% of U.S. tap water contains PFAS — synthetic chemicals linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune disruption, now detected in all 50 states. The EPA set the first-ever federal PFAS limits in 2024, with PFOA and PFOS capped at 4 parts per trillion. SoftPro’s catalytic carbon media adsorbs PFAS at the point of entry — a critical defense where municipal plants often fall short.

About SoftPro Water Systems

SoftPro Water Systems is a family-owned American water treatment brand founded by Craig “The Water Guy” Phillips, with 30+ years serving U.S. homes and businesses. Products include fluoride filters, water softeners, iron filters, and UV sterilization — all backed by a lifetime warranty and the WISDOM Water Intelligence System.

Contact:
***@softprowatersystems.com

Photo(s):
https://www.prlog.org/13138829

Press release distributed by PRLog

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/as-fluoride-debate-grips-the-nation-americans-turn-to-whole-house-fluoride-filters-for-answers-302749053.html

SOURCE SoftPro Water Systems