American Water Works Company, Inc - AWK STOCK NEWS

American Water (NYSE: AWK) has launched a nationwide celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The celebration will span 50 days through December 16, 2024, highlighting the law's impact since its 1974 enactment to protect public drinking water supply.

The company, as the largest regulated water utility in the U.S., plans to invest $34 to $38 billion over the next decade in infrastructure repairs, replacement, and system resiliency. This initiative demonstrates their commitment to addressing emerging water safety and quality challenges while maintaining affordable water service nationwide.

California American Water has promoted Christy Baril to Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance. In this role, she will oversee all statewide water quality and environmental activities. Baril, who has been with the company for 10 years, brings experience in water quality, compliance, operations, rates, and engineering. She will be responsible for ensuring adherence to environmental regulations and leading efforts to protect and improve water quality. Baril holds a bachelor's degree in marine biology from UC Santa Cruz and an MBA from the University of Illinois.

Illinois American Water has invested over $34 million in water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in the Alton District over the past two years. Major projects include a $6.4 million ultraviolet water treatment system installation, a $23.5 million Piasa Valley sewer separation project, a $3.11 million wastewater plant effluent line rehabilitation, and a $1.8 million water main replacement along 9th Street. The improvements aim to enhance water quality, reliability, and customer service while meeting EPA regulations and addressing mandatory Long-Term Control Plan requirements.

American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., announced that its Chief Operating Officer Cheryl Norton will be honored at the 2024 Salute to the Policy Makers Gala on October 22. The event, organized by the Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ), will take place at the Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, New Jersey.

The gala raises funds for EWNJ's networking programs, advocacy work, and leadership initiatives, including its Graduate Merit Award Program. EWNJ's mission is to ensure equal opportunities and representation for women in senior corporate leadership and on boards. The organization focuses on nurturing future women leaders and providing them with necessary training and education.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved California American Water's acquisition of the Mesa del Sol water system in Corral de Tierra, Monterey County. This acquisition will add approximately 15 new water connections to Cal Am's existing customer base of about 40,000 connections in the Monterey Peninsula and surrounding areas.

The Mesa del Sol system is currently identified as a failing water system by the California State Water Resources Control Board's SAFER program. Cal Am's acquisition aims to solve long-running water quality issues for the neighborhood through physical consolidation with their neighboring system. The acquisition is expected to be finalized in early 2025, following the completion of construction on system improvements and interconnection.

Cal Am emphasizes that this acquisition will bring clean, safe, and reliable water service to Mesa del Sol residents, along with improved customer service options and programs. The larger customer base is expected to provide greater economies of scale and future rate stability for the newly acquired system.

Pennsylvania American Water has issued a reminder to customers about the importance of keeping storm drains clear of fallen leaves this autumn. Blocked storm drains can lead to flooded roadways and sewer backups, causing significant issues during rainstorms. The company advises against raking or blowing leaves into streets, ditches, or storm drains.

To maintain clean waterways and water quality, Pennsylvania American Water recommends the following practices:

• Bag leaves for pickup or recycling
• Only place yard debris at the curbside on designated collection days
• Mow over leaves to create mulch
• Use a compost bin for fallen leaves and organic debris

Jim Runzer, vice president of operations, emphasizes that proper leaf disposal can prevent costly sewer backups and flooding. The company also notes that debris entering the combined sewer system can increase removal, disposal, and labor costs at wastewater treatment plants.

American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., is supporting the tenth anniversary of Imagine a Day Without Water, a national movement led by the US Water Alliance. This initiative aims to highlight the importance of water in our daily lives and advocate for greater and more equitable water investments.

The company recognizes that for many Americans, living without water is a reality, not just a hypothetical scenario. To address this issue, American Water has committed to investing $34 to $38 billion over the next 10 years in infrastructure repairs, replacement, system resiliency, and regulated acquisitions. As an industry leader, American Water is dedicated to providing vital water and wastewater services across its national footprint, emphasizing the need for sustainable and substantial investment in both infrastructure and workforce to ensure equitable water service delivery nationwide.

Illinois American Water has awarded over $96,000 to 97 Illinois fire departments and districts through its 2024 Firefighter Grant Program. Since the program's inception in 2010, over 1,040 grants totaling over $1,036,000 have been distributed to fire and emergency organizations in Illinois American Water's service area.

The grants provide funding for personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, training materials, and classroom programs. Jacob Campbell, Fire Chief of Pontiac Fire Department, highlighted how the grant will enable them to purchase confined space equipment for specialized rescues.

Rebecca Losli, President of Illinois American Water, emphasized the company's commitment to supporting first responders and ensuring community safety. The announcement follows National Fire Prevention Week, which focused on the theme "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!" to educate about proper smoke alarm installation, testing, and maintenance.

Pennsylvania American Water has been awarded $7.9 million in low-interest financing from PENNVEST for two infrastructure improvement projects. The funding includes:

• A $1,891,056 loan and a $3,908,944 grant to replace 357 lead water service lines in Pittsburgh
• A $2.1 million loan to repair aging wastewater infrastructure in Exeter, Berks County

The Pittsburgh project will replace 258 residential lines in the 29th Ward and 99 in Mt. Oliver Borough, improving water quality for customers. The Exeter project will replace 1,815 feet of sanitary sewer main and 18 manholes, reducing inflow and infiltration. These investments align with Governor Shapiro's focus on ensuring clean water access for all Pennsylvanians.