American Water (NYSE: AWK), the nation's largest publicly traded water utility, announced today it has earned two Business Achievement Awards from the Environmental Business Journal® (EBJ) and the Climate Change Business Journal® (CCBJ). The awards will be presented in a ceremony at the 10th annual Environmental Industry Summit X on March 14, 2012.

American Water was recognized by the EBJ in the Technology Merit category for receipt of its "Optimized Nutrient Removal from Wastewater" patent, also known as NPXpress, in September 2011. The NPXpress technology helps wastewater utilities, which are facing both increasing operating costs and more stringent environmental regulations, to reduce costs while improving the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus. Because the technology operates at lower oxygen levels, electricity consumption for aeration is reduced by 50 percent. In addition, the process can eliminate the need for costly chemical addition (methanol) by up to 80 to 100 percent. This new process, created by American Water experts, provides a more affordable and sustainable way of treating sewage.

"We are honored to receive this important recognition from the Environmental Business Journal for our wastewater treatment patent," said Mark LeChevallier, Director of Innovation and Environmental Stewardship for American Water. "The innovation demonstrated by this patent will help to cost effectively address pressing needs for improved technology for wastewater treatment."

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, was recognized by the CCBJ in the Project Merit: Solar Power category for installing solar modules on a reservoir at the company's Canoe Brook Water Treatment Plant in Millburn, N.J. This pilot project was the first solar array on the East Coast on a body of water designed to withstand a freeze/thaw environment. The 400 solar modules, measure 110 ft by 110 ft and rest on a docking station designed to float on the water's surface. The array will generate 112 kilowatts of DC (direct current) power, which will then be converted to AC (alternating current) power. Annually, the solar field will produce 135,000 kilowatt hours per year, or approximately two percent of the plant's power.

"We are thrilled to receive recognition from the Climate Change Business Journal for one of the new ways we are using green energy," said Suzanne Chiavari, Vice President of Engineering at New Jersey American Water. "Sustainability and solar power will continue to be an emphasis for us as we continue to look for ways to control costs and be a good environmental steward."

This is the fourth time in as many years that American Water has been recognized by the EBJ awards. The company was honored with 2008, 2009 and 2010 project merit awards for developing water recycling systems at the Solaire and Visionaire high-rise residences in New York City, and designing, building and operating the Fillmore Water Recycling Plant in California, respectively.

The Business Achievement Awards annually recognize companies and executives for environmental achievements seen as outperforming the market.

About American Water

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 and parts of Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people.

American Water
Denise Venuti Free
External Communications Manager
856-309-4690
denise.free@amwater.com