American Water Works : DEP Recognizes Pennsylvania American Water for Indiana County Source Water Protection Plan

Microsoft Word - INDIANA_SWP_ANNOUNCEMENT_FINAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Gary Lobaugh

Pennsylvania American Water

T: 724-873-3674

M: 724-944-5148

Gary.lobaugh@amwater.com

DEP RECOGNIZES PENNSYLVANIA AMERICAN WATER FOR INDIANA COUNTY SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PLAN MCMURRAY, Pa. (May 3, 2016) - Pennsylvania American Water was recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), elected officials, and local stakeholders today for the successful development and implementation of its Source Water Protection Plan (SWP) in Indiana County.

"Pennsylvania American Water and the Central Indiana County Water Authority have expended considerable time and resources to develop Source Water Protection Plans that will go a long way in the management of their systems through identifying potential problems and sharing information to secure good quality water for thousands of Pennsylvanians," said Alan Eichler, PA DEP Safe Drinking Water Program Manager.

The company, along with the Central Indiana County Water Authority, was recognized during the final SWP public meeting, which highlighted their strategies for ensuring a high quality source of supply though partnerships with key watershed stakeholders and vigilance against potential contaminants.

"Our Indiana District SWP was truly a collaborative effort that relied on our team of water quality professionals, DEP and local stakeholders to protect the source of our drinking here in Indiana County," said Mark Smith, Pennsylvania American Water's Senior Manager of Northwest Operations. "Together, along with a resource such as WaterSuite, we will be able to reduce the risks to Two Lick Creek."

During the meeting Pennsylvania American Water also demonstrated its use of WaterSuite, a geographic information system software that provides visualizations of potential sources of contamination within a watershed, import and share water quality measurements and emergency monitoring plans, track water quality and movement of chemicals during emergencies.

Eichler added, "DEP applauds the efforts of public water supplies to protect their potable water resources. With recent events in Flint, Michigan, we are concerned more than ever about the quality of our drinking water and preserving this precious resource in Pennsylvania. Today we are honoring two systems in their efforts to do exactly that."

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.2 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company.

Marking its 130th anniversary this year, the company employs more than 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.

###

PRESS RELEASE www.amwater.com