Giving back is as Essential as Water.
Illinois American Water takes our responsibility to our customers – our friends, family and neighbors – very seriously.

Helping to build strong communities that are vibrant places to live, work and play is hard work… and one of the most important things American Water does. American Water’s community involvement is multifaceted, drawing on the unique talents of employees and business resources. These are just some of the ways we give back through community giving, in-kind donations, partnerships and volunteering:

• Illinois American Water has been the prime sponsor of the Sun Foundation’s Clean Water Celebration since the education event began 25 years ago. Through this free, two-day event 56,000 middle and high school students and their teachers have learned how to conserve and protect the planet’s water and natural resources.
• With a focus on water protection, we have collaborated on many environmental initiatives including pharmaceutical disposal programs, rain gardens, native plantings and, just recently, we supported The gitm Foundation’s and Common Place’s urban gardens and rain harvesting efforts.
• Our Peoria-area operations uses energy-saving technology, solar power, Ultraviolet (UV) treatment, recycling and other green practices to reduce our environmental footprint.
• Education is an important component of our community outreach. Our Mobile Education Center, an 18-foot learning center, offers educators and students a hands-on water learning experience. Through STEM concepts, students complete water testing and learn about the water cycle, water quality, water conservation and the value of water.
• Monetary donations assist local organizations including fire departments, the YMCA, Junior Achievement, WPNV Radio, Peoria Playhouse, Peoria Promise and more.
• We also sponsor community events offered through the Black Chamber of Commerce, NAACP, Black Business Association, Peoria Art Guild, Boys and Girls Club, etc.
• At times, our customers can face financial difficulty making it hard to pay their water bill.  Our H₂O Help to Others Program provides assistance.  The program is administered by the local Salvation Army and funded by Illinois American Water.  
• Water recreation is also a focus. Through the American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF) and Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, union employees helped to construct the Illinois River Canoe and Kayak Trail, which provides several scenic stations along the Illinois River for paddlers to use as launch points or rest stops.
• The AWCF awarded a $150,000 Building Better Communities grant to the City of Peoria to construct a new splash park.  Peoria GreenSplash will be completed in 2018 and feature a bioswale and educational components. 
• We also provide in-kind donations through portable hydration stations and water sprinklers at local races, walks, festivals and other outside events to keep participants hydrated and cool.  This also reduces bottled water and related plastic pollution.
• Through the Company’s annual AmerICANs in Action Month of Giving Program in September employees raise funds and donate toys to the Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
• Our employees also participate in blood drives, river cleanups and other community events. They visit classrooms and volunteer at Taste of Peoria, IHSA March Madness, Race for the Cure, as Junior Achievement educators, reading buddies, little league and traveling baseball coaches, Boy Scouts leaders and more.  

You can read more about our efforts in Peoria area’s local business magazine InterBusiness Issues.