Voorhees, NJ -- American Water (NYSE:AWK), the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company, is proud to announce the receipt of nine Directors Awards of Recognition from the Partnership for Safe Water this year for maintaining Phase III certification. The Partnership is a voluntary initiative developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and other water organizations to recognize water suppliers that consistently achieve water treatment standards that surpass EPA regulatory requirements. The awards were recognized at the 2008 American Water Works Association Annual Conference in Atlanta, Ga., this week.

"Our employees are committed to delivering the best water quality possible to our customers," said Stephen Schmitt, vice president of operations services for American Water. "We're pleased to achieve this recognition from the Partnership as a testament to our dedication to operational excellence."

The following American Water treatment plants were recognized in 2008 for maintaining the Phase III Directors Award status for five years:

Illinois American Water

-- East St. Louis Water Treatment Plant

-- Cairo District Water Treatment Plant

-- Alton District Water Treatment Plant

Missouri American Water

-- Jefferson City Water Treatment Plant

New Jersey American Water

-- Swimming River Water Treatment Plant

Ohio American Water

-- Tiffin Water Treatment Plant

The following American Water treatment plants were recognized in 2008 for maintaining the Phase III Directors Award status for 10 years:

Kentucky American Water

-- Richmond Road Station

-- Kentucky River Station

West Virginia American Water

-- Huntington Water Treatment Plant

As a member of the Partnership for Safe Water, American Water demonstrates its commitment to voluntarily providing drinking water of a quality better than is required by federal standards. Out of American Water's more than 80 surface-water treatment plants, over 83 percent of the facilities have received Phase III certification in the ongoing program.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs nearly 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15.6 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com. 

Contact:
American Water
Julie Scharle, 856-309-4690
Julie.scharle@amwater.com