American Water Named Among America's Best Employers for Women
American Water, a leading water and wastewater utility company based in the United States, has proudly announced its recognition as one of America’s Best Employers for Women by Forbes in 2026. This honor highlights the company's ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for female employees, allowing them to thrive and succeed professionally.
A Commitment to Equality
The accolade is based on a comprehensive survey conducted in collaboration with Statista Inc., which gathered the opinions of over 146,000 women currently employed by companies with at least 1,000 employees. The survey evaluated various aspects of workplace culture, including compensation, career development opportunities, work-life balance, parental leave, and overall employee satisfaction.
Lori Sutton, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at American Water, shared the company's enthusiasm about this achievement, stating, "We are proud to be recognized for our efforts to understand, value, and provide opportunities for all employees. Our goal is to create an environment where women—and all employees—can excel. This award reflects our commitment to embracing diverse ideas, viewpoints, and backgrounds."
Employee Networks Driving Change
American Water has established various Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs) that are open to all staff, regardless of personal affiliation. Among these is the Women's Empowerment Champion Ally Network, or WE CAN, designed to engage female employees and their supporters in initiatives focused on personal development, career progression, and community engagement. This network seeks to empower women while creating a supportive environment that encourages their growth within the organization.
Evaluating Employee Experiences
The Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for Women incorporates evaluations from over 4 million assessments made by employees across various industries. Participants highlighted essential factors such as fair pay, chances for promotion, and overall workplace culture, including their likelihood to recommend their employers to family and friends. The detailed insights from this extensive survey provide a clear picture of what employees value in their workplaces.
A Culture of Recognition
In addition to being recognized as a top employer for women, American Water was also listed among the Best Employers for Company Culture in 2026 by Forbes. This twin recognition speaks volumes about the organization's focus on nurturing a culture of inclusivity and respect, setting it apart from other utilities in the sector.
American Water has been serving customers since 1886, ensuring safe and reliable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people nationally. The firm’s commitment to its workforce is reflected in its continuous investment in employee support and development initiatives.
Join the Conversation
To learn more about American Water, its employee initiatives, and to see the full 2026 list of America’s Best Employers for Women, visit
American Water's website and follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram. The company remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where every employee has the opportunity to succeed.
Moving forward, American Water aims to build on this recognition and continue enhancing its workplace culture, fostering diversity and supporting gender equality within the company and beyond.