West Virginia American Water Now Accepting Applications for 2012 Environmental Grant Program

CHARLESTON, W.Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--West Virginia American Water announced today that applications are now being accepted by for the company’s 2012 Environmental Grant Program awards. The Environmental Grant Program offers funds for innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies through partnerships.

While other American Water state subsidiaries have offered this program in previous years with great success, this will be the first year West Virginia American Water has offered this opportunity.

“West Virginia American Water is committed to ensuring water quality through testing and treatment, as well as through consumer education and community source protection programs,” said President Wayne Morgan. “We are all environmental stewards in protecting our water supplies, and this program is one way we help communities play an active role in this important effort. We are excited to offer this grant program and look forward to making this an annual initiative.”

To qualify, proposed projects must:

• Address a source water or watershed protection need in the community
• Be completed between May 1, 2012 and November 30, 2012
• Be a new or innovative program for the community, or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program
• Be carried out by a formal or informal partnership between two or more organizations

• Provide evidence of sustainability (continued existence after the West Virginia American Water grant monies are utilized)
• Be located within West Virginia American Water’s service area

Information and application requirements can be obtained directly from West Virginia American Water or on the company’s website at www.amwater.com/EnvironmentalGrantProgram. Applications must be received by March 23, 2012, and recipients will be notified by April 9, 2012.

In 2011, a total of 35 projects throughout American Water’s service areas in eight states were awarded grants totaling more than $155,600.

West Virginia American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 600,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.westvirginiaamwater.com.

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