California American Water Announces 2016 Environmental Grant Program Winners

California American Water announced today the recipients of its 2016 Environmental Grant Program. Two watershed education restoration projects, which are located within its California service areas, will be supported by grants totaling $10,000.

This year, two applicants were selected by a panel of judges. Projects were evaluated on clarity of project goals, projected impact, strength of collaboration with other community and/or municipal organizations and evidence the project will provide sustainable environmental results after California American Water funding ends.

Located in its Monterey service area, the non-profit Carmel River Watershed Conservancy was awarded $6,500 to fund its Watershed Docent Training Project. The project promotes the development of a watershed preservation curriculum and the training of docents to educate and inform the public and students about becoming better stewards of the Carmel River and its watershed. The Carmel River, the main source of water for the communities of the Monterey Peninsula, is recovering gradually, especially due to the recent removal of the San Clemente Dam. The docent training project will further enhance the overall long term success of the Carmel River.

Outdoor Outreach was awarded $3,500 for their WatershedConnect Project. As part of the project, Outdoor Outreach through recreations and stewardship activities will create meaningful and learning activities for underserved and at-risk teens in the San Diego Region. The program will engage more than 100 diverse youth from underserved communities in Imperial Beach, South San Diego and Chula Vista. WatershedConnect will educate urban youth about watersheds, surface water and groundwater supplies in the San Diego region; encourage a connection between project participants and local watersheds through outdoor recreation, environmental education and stewardship; and empower them to take a personal role in watershed conservation.

“We are all environmental stewards in protecting California’s diverse watershed, and this program is one way we help communities play an active role in this important effort,” said California American Water President Rob MacLean. “We commend each applicant for their commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.”

California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 600,000 people. Information regarding California American Water’s service areas can be found on the company’s website www.californiaamwater.com.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide 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.

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