American Water Works Company, Inc - AWK STOCK NEWS

American Water (NYSE: AWK) has been named on Corporate Knights' Global 100 list as one of the World’s Most Sustainable Corporations, ranking 9th overall and being the top water utility. This is the second consecutive year for this recognition. The list analyzed over 8,000 companies based on various sustainability metrics. Additionally, American Water was ranked 2nd in the Energy and Utilities sector in Newsweek’s Most Responsible Companies 2021. These accolades underline American Water's commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

West Virginia American Water has appointed Michael Raymo as the new Director of Engineering, succeeding Brett Morgan, who retired after nearly 35 years. Raymo, a West Point graduate and Army veteran, previously worked within American Water’s Military Services Group, focusing on capital management and operations. He will oversee engineering projects, including water main replacements and upgrades to treatment plants, ensuring reliable service for approximately 565,000 customers. Raymo emphasized commitment to infrastructure enhancement and the company’s foundational values of inclusion, safety, and customer relations.

New Jersey American Water announced a significant investment of over $464 million in system upgrades for 2020, an increase of $80 million over its initial plan due to COVID-19 impacts. The investment included $174 million for main replacements, improvements to treatment facilities totaling $93.5 million, and significant upgrades to fire hydrants and service lines. The initiative aims to enhance water service reliability and boost local employment. This proactive approach is aligned with the company's commitment to maintaining safe and efficient water delivery.

New Jersey American Water has received a Leading Infrastructure Project Award from the New Jersey Alliance for Action for its innovative use of Strong Base Anion Exchange (AIX) technology to remove PFAS from the Springfield Well Field. This initiative, praised for its rapid implementation ahead of state regulations, reflects the company's commitment to public health. The award ceremony will take place virtually on February 17, 2021. Additionally, the company was previously honored with the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for a similar project at its Short Hills station.

Pennsylvania American Water has launched an online platform allowing customers to report water outages and emergencies without needing to call. This initiative aims to enhance customer service, providing convenience and quick notification options through the MyWater portal. Since its introduction in mid-December, nearly 150 emergencies have been reported via this online feature. The company plans to further enhance the platform's functionality in the future, reinforcing its commitment to delivering reliable water services to approximately 2.4 million customers in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania American Water will hold a virtual information session on January 14, 2021, to discuss its customer assistance programs, including the H2O Help to Others program, which provides financial aid up to $500 for eligible customers. The session aims to assist those facing financial hardships due to COVID-19, encouraging early application for aid before potential shutoffs. The company suspended shutoffs until April 2021 and emphasizes the importance of customers taking proactive steps to manage their bills.

New Jersey American Water is set to change its water treatment process from chloramines to free chlorine as part of an annual maintenance program. This temporary change will affect customers across several counties, including Essex, Hunterdon, and Mercer, from January 12, 2021, until the end of April 2021. Customers may notice a chlorine taste and smell in their water during this period, which is a normal occurrence. The company emphasizes its commitment to maintaining high water quality and compliance with drinking water standards throughout the process.