Missouri Rural Water Association Presents Source Water Protection Award to Missouri American Water

JOPLIN, Mo., April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Missouri American Water has earned the 2009 Source Water Protection Award from the Missouri Rural Water Association (MRWA).  The annual award recognizes Missouri American Water's commitment to protecting sources of drinking water in four of the company's operating districts.

Missouri American Water's operating districts in Brunswick, Mexico, St. Joseph and Warrensburg have implemented successful wellhead protection programs, endorsed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. These voluntary environmental programs protect the land and water near the water wells – the natural sources of drinking water in these communities.  

"These source water protection programs are strictly voluntary and are meant to be growing, living programs that sustain environmental education in our communities," said Gary Webber, MRWA groundwater protection specialist.  

The programs have successfully expanded source water protection areas, involved landowners in planning efforts, identified and addressed potential contaminant threats, monitored water quality and encouraged community participation in environmental action planning.

"Safe drinking water is essential to public health, public safety and economic opportunity in our communities," said Frank Kartmann, president of Missouri American Water. "While these source water protection programs are not mandated by environmental regulation, for Missouri American Water, providing safe and quality water service is an absolute requirement that begins with doing our part to support the safety of our source water."

Missouri American Water

Missouri American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company.  With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

SOURCE Missouri American Water