California American Water President Addresses ASCE 2025 Report Card for California, Urges More Investment in Critical Water Infrastructure

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California American Water (NYSE: AWK) President Sarah Leeper responded to the American Society of Civil Engineers' ASCE 2025 Report Card that downgraded California's drinking water grade from C (2019) to D+ (2025). Leeper emphasized the urgency of investment in drinking water infrastructure—citing drought, climate resilience, and aging pipes and equipment—and said ongoing investments are essential to keep water safe, reliable, and affordable.

Company scale: American Water serves more than 14 million people across 14 states; California American Water serves about 750,000 people.

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sarah Leeper, President of California American Water, issued the following statement in response to the grade of D+ for drinking water in the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) 2025 Report Card for California's Infrastructure:

"At California American Water, our commitment goes beyond maintaining pipes and pumps—it's about safeguarding the health, safety, and prosperity of every community we serve. The urgency of this mission is highlighted by the recent American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) report, which downgraded California's drinking water grade from a C in 2019 to a D+ in 2025. This underscores the significant infrastructure pressures facing our state, including droughts and climate resilience and aging pipes and critical equipment. As we face these challenges, our ongoing investments are essential to help ensure that Californians continue to have safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water for generations to come."

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, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 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.

About California American Water
California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 750,000 people. 

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SOURCE American Water

FAQ

What did California American Water say about the ASCE 2025 report for drinking water (AWK)?

President Sarah Leeper said the ASCE downgrade to D+ in 2025 highlights urgent infrastructure pressures and the need for continued investment.

How did California's drinking water grade change in the ASCE report from 2019 to 2025?

The drinking water grade declined from C in 2019 to D+ in 2025.

How many customers does California American Water serve (AWK)?

California American Water provides services to approximately 750,000 people.

How many people does American Water serve nationwide (AWK)?

American Water serves more than 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations.

What infrastructure risks did California American Water cite in response to the ASCE grade (AWK)?

The company cited drought, climate resilience, and aging pipes and critical equipment as key infrastructure pressures.