Planted Trees, Rain Barrels Funded as Part of Water Grant

Virginia American Water Awards $7,500 in Environmental Grants To Protect Local Water Resources

Through its annual environmental grant program, Virginia American Water awarded grants to four nonprofits who are conducting water resources protection projects that benefit the local watershed. The recipients will receive a share of grant funds totaling $7,500 for their projects. The following organizations are the 2014 recipients:
• The Prince William Conservation Alliance in Woodbridge will receive $1,500 for a tree planting program at the Prince William County Dog Park on Minnieville Road. The project is intended to help prevent erosion and slow storm water runoff to Neabsco Creek, improve community appearance in a very visible location, and improve wildlife habitat.
• Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) will receive $2,000 for a water conservation program using rain barrels. FOTO will use the funds to purchase rain barrels and conduct workshops to educate community members on the beneficial use of rain barrels for watering gardens.
• Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR), is receiving $1,000 for an erosion control project on the road leading to the canoe access point. Rocks will be installed to prevent soil erosion.
• Indiana University, in Kokomo, IN is partnering with Virginia American Water in a characterization study of E. coli in the Appomattox River. The University will receive $3,000 to study the source of pathogens. Intake river water samples will be analyzed under base flow and high flow conditions using molecular techniques and cultivation methods.

“We are very proud to support the efforts of local organizations that share our commitment to watershed and environmental protection,” said Virginia American Water President William R. Walsh. “This assistance to our community partners leverages local resources and capabilities to make a positive impact on the environment.”

Established in 2005, American Water’s Environmental Grant Program offers funds for innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies in the local communities the company serves.

Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to more than 370,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Headquartered in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.