CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest publicly-traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, and the City of Camden, NJ were recognized for their unique public-private partnership as New Jersey One Water Award Winners at the 2019 Jersey Water Works Conference held on Dec. 13, 2019 in New Brunswick, NJ.
“American Water believes that communities should be stronger wherever we serve because we are there. And we are very proud to be recognized for this partnership with our hometown of Camden, NJ," said Susan Story, president and chief executive officer. “Camden truly is a city on the rise because of her many incredible citizens, organizations and companies who have invested to make it a great city. Businesses must be full partners with our communities—not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is smart business.”
“American Water is fully committed to our City, our business community and our residents,” said Camden Mayor Frank Moran. “It has been a wonderful partnership and it's resulting in positive changes here in Camden. They are a community conscious company who not only exemplifies the highest standards as it relates to water quality but also value the relationships with the people they serve. American Water has championed storm water management efforts, job training, local sourcing initiatives, education, civic events and supported local organizations in order to improve the quality of life within Camden. The One Water award simply highlights this tremendous partnership between the City and American Water.”
Camden is home to a vibrant arts scene, a World War II battleship, and popular waterfront attractions. It’s also home to flooding, aging water infrastructure, and combined sewer overflows. To address its water challenges, the City of Camden partnered with American Water to operate and maintain drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. This public-private partnership has substantially improved the city’s water management.
In 2018, American Water developed a Community Investment Agreement with the city to invest in community outreach, sustainability initiatives, and workforce development. That same year, American Water provided a $200,000 grant through its Charitable Foundation to the Camden City School District for the construction of a new STEM lab at Woodrow Wilson High School. In addition, New Jersey American Water, which has served the Cramer Hill section of Camden for over 130 years, has invested more than $6 million in community partnerships in the last five years and more than $600,000 through a workforce development contract with Hopeworks over the last several years.
The New Jersey One Water Awards honor projects that demonstrate great water management. Winners illustrate the One Water ideal by valuing and making use of all water, whether it’s drinking water, stormwater, or wastewater. The awards program is sponsored by five organizations: American Water Resources Association’s New Jersey section, American Water Works Association’s New Jersey section, Association of Environmental Authorities, Jersey Water Works, and New Jersey Water Environment Association.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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