West Virginia American Water President Addresses New Infrastructure Report Card, Urges Collaboration Around Critical Water Infrastructure

Rhea-AI Summary

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.

Positive

• $736 million invested in West Virginia water infrastructure over past decade
• Parent company plans $46 billion investment across footprint over next ten years
• Public statement urges coordinated action among utilities, regulators, legislators, leaders

Negative

• ASCE 2025 grades: Drinking water D+, Wastewater D
• EPA estimates $4.5 billion needed for drinking water over two decades
• Wastewater requires significantly greater resources than drinking water estimate

News Market Reaction – AWK

+0.97%

+0.97% Session close to close

In the Dec 17 session, AWK gained 0.97%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement underscores significant infrastructure needs in West Virginia, with the EPA estima...

Analysis

This announcement underscores significant infrastructure needs in West Virginia, with the EPA estimating about $4.5 billion required for drinking water over the next two decades and low ASCE grades of D+ and D. American Water highlights more than $736 million already invested in the state and a plan to invest over $46 billion across its footprint in ten years. Investors may watch how these needs translate into capital plans, regulatory decisions, and future rate cases.

Key Figures

Drinking water grade: D+ Wastewater grade: D Investment need: $4.5 billion +5 more

8 metrics

Drinking water grade D+ 2025 ASCE Report Card for West Virginia

Wastewater grade D 2025 ASCE Report Card for West Virginia

Investment need $4.5 billion EPA 2023 survey – WV drinking water over next two decades

State investments $736 million+ WV American Water infrastructure improvements over past decade

Planned investments $46 billion+ American Water planned infrastructure spending over next ten years

Survey year 2023 EPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment

Planning horizon two decades Timeframe for WV drinking water investment need

Planning horizon ten years American Water long-term infrastructure investment plan

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 10 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Dec 10	Conservation request	Neutral	+0.4%	Voluntary 10–15% water use reduction requested under expanded drought watch.
Dec 09	Small acquisition	Positive	+0.4%	Completion of Yerba Buena Water Company acquisition adding ~250 customers.
Dec 09	Plant upgrade	Positive	+0.4%	Completion of multi‑year Metro East plant upgrade with significant investment.
Dec 05	Mandatory conservation	Negative	-0.8%	Statewide mandatory conservation notice following New Jersey drought warning.
Dec 05	Dividend declaration	Positive	+0.4%	Announcement of quarterly $0.8275 cash dividend continuing prior increase.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent news across operations, acquisitions, and dividends has generally seen modest price moves that align directionally with the tone of each announcement.

Recent Company History

Over the last several weeks, American Water has issued a mix of operational updates, acquisitions, conservation notices, and a dividend declaration. Events include drought-related conservation requests in Pennsylvania on Dec 10, 2025, a small system acquisition in California on Dec 9, 2025, major plant upgrades in Illinois, and a statewide mandatory conservation notice in New Jersey. A quarterly dividend of $0.8275 per share was also announced. Price reactions around these items were modest and directionally consistent with the underlying news.

Key Terms

american society of civil engineers, environmental protection agency

2 terms

american society of civil engineers technical

"Today, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released its 2025 Report Card"

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is a professional organization that develops standards, publishes technical guidance, and produces national assessments on the condition of infrastructure such as bridges, roads, water systems and dams. Investors watch ASCE work because its assessments and standards can signal where public spending, regulations, or repair needs are likely to rise — similar to a mechanic’s inspection report that helps predict future repair bills and the value of a car.

environmental protection agency regulatory

"The EPA's 2023 Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment previously indicated"

An environmental protection agency is a government body that sets and enforces rules to limit pollution, protect air and water quality, and manage hazardous waste. Investors care because its regulations can change the costs, legal risks, and market opportunities for companies—think of the agency as a referee whose new rulings can raise compliance bills, create winners and losers, or open markets for cleaner technologies.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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West Virginia's Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Received Low Marks from ASCE

CHARLESTON, W.Va., Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --Today, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released its 2025 Report Card for West Virginia's Infrastructure. Drinking water infrastructure in the state received a D+, with wastewater infrastructure receiving a D.

Scott Wyman, President of West Virginia American Water, issued the following statement in response:

"West Virginia's lagging infrastructure grades are a clear warning sign that the state's water systems need more investment," said Wyman. "West Virginia American Water has made considerable investments to strengthen service and upgrade water systems across the state, but lasting progress will require all of us."

The EPA's 2023 Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment previously indicated that West Virginia must invest approximately $4.5 billion in drinking water infrastructure over the next two decades, with significantly greater resources required for wastewater systems. These findings highlight the severity of the state's ongoing water infrastructure challenges.

"Meeting these needs will take sustained investment and coordinated action by utilities, regulators, legislators and local leaders," Wyman added. "No community should have to shoulder this challenge alone. By planning smartly, supporting struggling systems and investing in the right projects, we can see better grades and build a stronger, more resilient water future for West Virginia."

West Virginia American Water is committed to providing safe, clean and reliable water service to its customers. Throughout the past decade, the company has invested more than $736 million in water infrastructure improvements. Its parent company, American Water, plans to invest more than $46 billion across its footprint, including West Virginia, throughout the next ten years.

About West Virginia American Water
West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 583,000 people.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/west-virginia-american-water-president-addresses-new-infrastructure-report-card-urges-collaboration-around-critical-water-infrastructure-302644994.html

SOURCE American Water

FAQ

What did West Virginia American Water (AWK) say about the ASCE 2025 report on Dec. 17, 2025?

The company said low grades (D+ drinking, D wastewater) signal a need for sustained investment and coordinated action.

How much did the EPA estimate West Virginia needs for drinking water infrastructure?

The EPA's 2023 assessment estimated approximately $4.5 billion needed over the next two decades.

How much has West Virginia American Water invested in the state over the past decade?

The company reported investing $736 million in water infrastructure improvements over the past decade.

What are the parent company's planned investments related to AWK's footprint?

The parent company plans to invest more than $46 billion across its footprint over the next ten years.

What solutions did West Virginia American Water propose after the ASCE grades?

It urged planning, support for struggling systems, and coordinated public-private investment to improve resilience.