American Water Earns Spot on TIME's Best Companies List for 2026
American Water Recognized as Top Company by TIME
In a proud moment for the utility sector, American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States, has been announced as one of TIME's Best Companies for the inaugural 2026 list. This prestigious recognition stems from the collaborative efforts between TIME and Statista Inc., a leading market research firm that utilized a data-driven approach to assess the top-performing companies across various measures.
John Griffith, the President and CEO of American Water, expressed his gratitude for this honor. “We are honored to be recognized on TIME's inaugural list of America's Best Companies. This recognition reflects our continued focus on delivering strong results, fostering a positive employee experience, and advancing sustainable practices as we continue to provide safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to our customers and communities,” he stated.
Criteria for Ranking
The selection process for TIME's Best Companies involved an intricate evaluation of around 1,000 companies in the U.S. across three main areas:
1. Employee Satisfaction: This component analyzed employee responses from approximately 217,000 surveys which addressed workplace culture, compensation, working conditions, and overall employer reputation.
2. Financial Performance: Key financial indicators such as revenue growth, profitability, and asset performance were scrutinized using multi-year financial data from the companies evaluated.
3. Sustainability Transparency: Companies were assessed on their environmental impact, social responsibility initiatives, and governance by utilizing standardized sustainability metrics.
Among the many accomplishments recognized, American Water's commitment to sustainability particularly shines. Not only did they secure a spot on TIME's Best Companies list, but they were also recognized as one of TIME's World’s Most Sustainable Companies for 2026. This dual recognition underscores their efforts to not just be a utility provider but to also act as a responsible corporate citizen, mindful of environmental and social governance.
A Legacy of Service
Founded in 1886, American Water has a long-standing history of providing essential services. Celebrating 140 years in 2026, the company serves approximately 14 million people in the U.S. with regulated services spread across 14 states and multiple military installations. Their operations are backed by a workforce of around 7,000 skilled professionals who harness their expertise to ensure that essential water and wastewater services remain dependable, safe, and affordable.
As the public sections become increasingly conscious of sustainability and corporate responsibility, American Water's recognition serves as a reminder of the impact utilities can have when they prioritize both their employees and the communities they serve. The combination of strong financial performance, employee satisfaction, and a commitment to sustainability positions the company as a role model in the utility industry.
For more details on the list and the other esteemed companies featured, you can visit TIME's official website, where the full rankings are available. Additionally, for insights on American Water’s ongoing initiatives, check out their official site or follow them on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
This recognition reaffirms American Water's vision: "We Keep Life Flowing." As more companies strive to align with the global push for sustainability, American Water’s achievements serve as an inspiring example of what dedication to service, employee well-being, and environmental stewardship can accomplish.