California American Water Announces 2014 Environmental Grant Program Winners

CORONADO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--California American Water announced today the recipients of its 2014 Environmental Grant Program. Two watershed restoration projects located within its California service areas will be supported by grants totaling $10,000.

This year, two applicants were selected by a select 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 Carmel River Watershed Conservancy was awarded $6,000 to fund its Steelhead Recovery Signage Project in Carmel. The Carmel River does not currently contain signage indicating a steelhead recovery plan is currently underway. The project will involve designing, planning, constructing and installing “Steelhead Recovery Site” signs at critical public access points along the Carmel River and its tributary creeks. The signs will help preserve the rearing habitat and riparian quality for the threatened species by informing and educating the public of the names of the Carmel River’s tributary creeks along with the importance of treating them as steelhead recovery sites.

Mira Loma High School, the second recipient was awarded $4,000 for their Arcade Creek Project in Sacramento. Currently in its 14^th year, the project is a student-led ecological field study comprised of more than 300 high-school junior and senior science students from the International Baccalaureate Program at Mira Loma High School. The project will continue to allow students to conduct and evaluate field research to determine the overall health of the Arcade Creek by conducting non-native species and invasive species removal. Students participate in restoration outings, removing invasive species and consistent monitoring to assure they do not reoccur.

“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 service to approximately 600,000 people.

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 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.californiaamwater.com.