Happy holidays! After nearly 365 days of 2014, we reflect on some of the biggest stories of the year in the world of water.
The Polar Vortexes
The beginning of 2014 brought a slew of polar vortexes to many of our service states, where crews worked around the clock to repair broken mains and customer service representatives worked tirelessly to help customers prevent frozen pipes. The jaw-dropping cold even brought viral videos of people pouring out boiling water and it freezing on contact with the frigid air.
Ice Bucket Challenge
One of the most heartwarming stories of the year, the ice bucket challenge drew international attention to raise awareness and money for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The campaign organized by the ALS Association went viral on social media from July to August and raised a total of $115 million in funding.
Image via Flickr user Global Panorama
World's Largest Water Slide
On July 10, 2014, a Kansas City water park opened Verrückt (German for “crazy”), the world's tallest and fastest water slide. The water slide offers a plunge that is further than one off Niagara Falls and could rip the swim trunks right off of you. If you love water just as much as we do and enjoy being 168 feet off the ground and traveling at 40 to 50 miles per hour, this might be your favorite story!
Clear Frozen Lake
A more recent story that went viral on the web captured two hikers in Slovakia appearing to walk on water. Watching the video more, viewers will see that the hikers aren't magicians but just walking on a crystal clear frozen lake. A little late to the 2014 party, but stunning enough to make the cut!
40th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act
It might not be a story that went viral or made users “oooh” and “aaah,” yet celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act is a big milestone in US history. The act passed by Congress in 1974 protects public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply. Of all the water stories in 2014, we raise a glass and toast to tap!
Image via US Water Alliance
Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanza, Aqua wants to wish you and yours a very happy holiday. Enjoy the holiday season with family and friends celebrating the company of each other, reflecting on years past and planning for the years ahead.