CAMDEN, N.J., Aug. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., announced today the release of its Community Benefits of Water and Wastewater System Partnerships white paper, highlighting how regulated systems can help municipalities address infrastructure needs while generating resources for broader community priorities.
American Water developed the white paper by examining several water and wastewater systems acquired by its local state operations across the company's national footprint, detailing how proceeds generated through system acquisitions can provide financial flexibility for communities that may otherwise take decades to achieve.
The Municipal Authority of the City of McKeesport, Pennsylvania is among the systems featured in the white paper. Pennsylvania American Water acquired the McKeesport wastewater system in 2017, taking on responsibility for compliance and long-term stewardship. The sale allowed the City to avoid bankruptcy and invest the $40 million net proceeds into stabilizing wastewater rates, enhancing customer service, and financing various upgrade projects.
Michael Cherepko, Mayor of McKeesport shared, "The crux of this transaction is bringing financial stability to the City of McKeesport and saving our taxpayers from Act 47 municipal bankruptcy. When we think about it, the privatization of local sewage services truly makes sense. The City isn't involved in other utility businesses - gas, electric, water - and this is a final step in providing consistent, regulated utility services to our community."
Another featured system comes from the City of Bellflower, California, where their municipal water system was facing aging asbestos-cement mains, mounting maintenance needs and rising arsenic levels that intensified regulatory demands. Since acquiring the system in 2022, California American Water completed $4.5 million in upgrades, replaced 8,510 feet of outdated mains and enhanced water quality and compliance with advanced treatment expertise. More than $10 million in additional improvements are planned by 2027.
Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor of Bellflower said, "I want to thank California American Water for purchasing the Bellflower municipal water system. It is a win for us, because we are able to have a partner to provide quality service at good prices for our residents. At the same time, our residents are assured that they have quality water and reliable water coming to their faucets."
Investing to maintain and upgrade aging water and wastewater systems is critical for providing safe, reliable service. Over the next 10 years, American Water plans to invest approximately $48 billion in capital improvements to its systems, including infrastructure renewal, water quality, resiliency, technology, and water and wastewater system acquisitions.
Read American Water's white paper, The Community Benefits of Water and Wastewater System Partnerships here.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
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SOURCE American Water
FAQ
What did American Water (NYSE: AWK) announce on August 26, 2026?
American Water announced the release of its Community Benefits of Water and Wastewater System Partnerships white paper. According to American Water, the paper showcases how regulated system acquisitions can support municipal infrastructure, stabilize rates, and create financial flexibility for communities across its U.S. footprint.
How did American Water’s acquisition impact the McKeesport, Pennsylvania wastewater system (AWK)?
The McKeesport wastewater sale generated $40 million in net proceeds for the city. According to American Water, this helped McKeesport avoid municipal bankruptcy, stabilize wastewater rates, enhance customer service, and finance multiple upgrade projects after Pennsylvania American Water assumed system stewardship.
What investments has American Water made in Bellflower, California’s water system (AWK)?
Since acquiring Bellflower’s water system in 2022, California American Water has invested $4.5 million in upgrades. According to American Water, it replaced 8,510 feet of outdated mains and improved water quality and compliance, with more than $10 million in additional improvements planned by 2027.
How much capital does American Water plan to invest over the next decade (AWK)?
American Water plans to invest approximately $48 billion in its systems over the next 10 years. According to American Water, these investments target infrastructure renewal, water quality, resiliency, technology, and further water and wastewater system acquisitions across its national footprint.
How do water and wastewater system partnerships benefit municipalities working with American Water (AWK)?
System partnerships can provide upfront proceeds and shift compliance and infrastructure responsibilities to a regulated utility. According to American Water, this structure can free municipal resources to stabilize rates, improve customer service, and fund broader community priorities more quickly than self-funding.
What infrastructure challenges did Bellflower’s water system face before partnering with American Water (AWK)?
Bellflower’s municipal system faced aging asbestos-cement mains, rising maintenance needs, and increasing arsenic-related regulatory demands. According to American Water, its acquisition enabled targeted upgrades, main replacements and the application of advanced treatment expertise to enhance water quality and regulatory compliance.
Why is American Water emphasizing water and wastewater system acquisitions in its strategy (AWK)?
American Water highlights acquisitions as part of a broader $48 billion, 10-year capital plan. According to American Water, acquiring systems allows it to apply regulated utility expertise to infrastructure renewal, water quality, resiliency and technology while supporting municipal financial flexibility and long-term stewardship.
