American Water Works Company, Inc. reports developments tied to its regulated water and wastewater utility operations across the United States. The company provides drinking water and wastewater services to about 14 million people through regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations, with operating subsidiaries including California American Water, Pennsylvania American Water, Maryland American Water, Virginia American Water, Illinois American Water, Iowa American Water and Tennessee American Water.
News for AWK commonly covers annual water quality and Consumer Confidence Reports, state-level service updates, infrastructure investment, public utility rate proceedings, drinking water standards, community programs and subsidiary activity in local service territories. Updates also reference the company’s long operating history and its role in regulated water and wastewater service delivery.
American Water (NYSE: AWK) announced it was named to Newsweek's America's Most Responsible Companies 2026 list, marking the company's sixth consecutive year on the ranking and recognition as the top water and wastewater utility.
The company highlighted its sustainability framework across three pillars: Financial (disciplined capital investment, funded by operating cash flow and balanced debt/equity), Operational (safe, reliable, compliant water and wastewater services), and Cultural (workforce investment to drive innovation and service). Recognition was presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc.
American Water (NYSE: AWK) signed an agreement to acquire the Hopewell Borough water system for $6.4 million, following a November 2025 referendum where 58% of voters approved the sale. The system serves over 880 customer connections. The company expects completion in H1 2026, subject to New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approval, and plans $7 million in infrastructure investments in the first five years, including lead service line replacements by 2031 and water main replacements.
Kentucky American Water (NYSE:AWK) received approval from the Kentucky Public Service Commission for new water rates effective December 16, 2025. The rates produce an annualized revenue increase of about $18.2 million and were driven by more than $212 million in water treatment and distribution system improvements completed since the prior filing. The average residential bill for a customer using 3,900 gallons/month will rise by approximately $2 per month. The company serves over half a million people in portions of 13 counties and highlights available customer assistance programs including payment plans, budget billing and the H2O Help to Others program.
West Virginia American Water (NYSE:AWK) responded Dec. 17, 2025 to the ASCE 2025 Report Card that assigned West Virginia a D+ for drinking water and a D for wastewater.
The company noted the EPA's 2023 estimate that West Virginia needs approximately $4.5 billion for drinking water over the next two decades and said wastewater needs are significantly higher. West Virginia American Water highlighted it has invested $736 million in the past decade and that its parent plans to invest $46 billion across its footprint over the next ten years.
The statement urged coordinated investment by utilities, regulators, legislators and local leaders to improve system resilience and grades.
Pennsylvania American Water (NYSE:AWK) completed acquisition of the Elizabeth Borough Municipal Authority wastewater system for $28 million on Dec. 16, 2025.
The system serves approximately 660 direct customer connections and about 1,500 indirect customers in nearby boroughs and townships. The company already supplies water service to the same direct customers.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved the transaction on Oct. 9, 2025. Pennsylvania American Water will adopt the system's current rates and plans to invest more than $25 million over the next five years to meet regulatory, safety and security standards while keeping rates affordable.
American Water (NYSE: AWK) on December 16, 2025 expanded customer payment options and launched a charitable pilot to assist households facing utility hardship.
Customers can now pay via Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, PayPal, PayPal Credit on the MyWater portal, enroll in Auto Pay, scan a bill barcode to pay in person at participating retailers (Walmart, CVS, Family Dollar and more), pay by mail, phone (1-855-748-6066) or continue with MoneyGram and FirsTech. A $1.95 fee applies to credit card transactions in select states.
The American Water Charitable Foundation launched the Keep Communities Flowing® Fund, granting a combined $500,000 to two nonprofits to pilot utility-assistance programs in select Pennsylvania and New Jersey counties; the pilot operates independently of company state assistance programs.
Pennsylvania American Water (NYSE:AWK) on Dec. 10, 2025 asked customers in portions of its service area to voluntarily reduce nonessential water use by 10–15% (about 11–16 gallons per day) after the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection expanded a drought watch to 37 counties, 17 of which overlap the company’s service territory.
The company said current supply is adequate but urged conservation to prepare for possible worsening conditions and pointed customers to its Wise Water Use resources, leak detection kits, and water‑saving tips and tools, including the Alliance for Water Efficiency calculator.
California American Water (NYSE:AWK) completed the acquisition of the Yerba Buena Water Company water system on Dec. 9, 2025. The system serves approximately 250 customers and the transaction was approved by the California Public Utilities Commission. California American Water will begin service immediately and will mail new customer and account information in the coming weeks. Customers gain access to the company's online portal MyWater and a dedicated webpage at californiaamwater.com/yerbabuena.
This is the company's ninth acquisition in five years, bringing more than 13,000 new water and/or wastewater customers since 2020.
Illinois American Water (NYSE:AWK) completed final stages of a multi‑year upgrade to its Metro East regional water treatment plant near East St. Louis in 2025.
Key facts: $157 million invested since 2019; serves ~75,000 metered customers (~350,000 people); average daily demand ~39.3 million gallons and maximum daily ~47.70 million gallons. Upgrades include new elevated storage, new raw water pumps and VFDs, a new diesel high‑service backup pump, two clear wells (tripling storage), a new ultraviolet treatment system, upgraded chemical feed (gas to liquid), enhanced security and alarm systems, and increased backup generator capacity. The projects created > 1,500 construction jobs and the plant is a member of the Partnership for Safe Water.
New Jersey American Water (NYSE:AWK) issued a statewide mandatory conservation notice on Dec 5, 2025, after the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection upgraded a drought status to a Drought Warning.
The company urges customers to limit nonessential indoor water use, lists specific conservation steps (shorter showers, full loads for dishwashers/washers, fix leaks, insulate pipes), and directs customers to its Leak Detection Kit and online resources. The company says it is monitoring supplies, leveraging source redundancies, and offers bill assistance for eligible customers.