California American Water Announces 2013 Environmental Grant Program Winners

CORONADO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--California American Water announced today the recipients of its 2013 Environmental Grant Program. Two watershed restoration projects located within its California service areas will be supported by grants totaling $10,000.

This year, 2 applicants were selected by a panel of judges. Projects were evaluated on clarity of project goals, projected impact, strength of collaboration with other community and/ or municipal organizations and evidence the project will provide sustainable environmental results after California American Water funding ends.

The first recipient is the WiLDCOAST Foundation which was awarded $5,000 to fund its Tijuana River Action Initiative. Their project will increase the knowledge of local residents of the need to cleanup and restore the Tijuana River Watershed by taking Coronado and Imperial Beach residents through a series of cleanup and restoration events. In addition, guided tours of two Tijuana River Watershed areas and educational watershed conservation presentations will be held increasing participants understanding of the role they play in helping to restore the Tijuana River Watershed.

The second recipient is the American River Parkway Foundation which was awarded $5,000 to fund its Strengthening the Parkway watershed protection program. The program involves removal of invasive plants, river and trash cleanups, planting understory in established oak trees, and installing dog waste stations. Volunteers throughout the Sacramento Community will take part in the program ensuring the Parkway remains sustainable for all to enjoy.

“We are all environmental stewards in protecting California’s diverse watershed, and this program is one way we help communities play an active role in this important effort,” said Rob MacLean, president of California American Water.

California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 600,000 people in the Northern, Central and Southern parts of the state. Information regarding California American Water’s service areas can be found on the company’s website www.californiaamwater.com.

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 approximately 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in more than 30 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.