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American Water Achieves a Milestone in Sustainability

American Water, a prominent player in the water and wastewater utility sector, is proud to announce its inclusion in TIME's prestigious list of the World's Most Sustainable Companies for 2026. This honor, awarded in collaboration with Statista Inc., reaffirms the company's dedication to sustainability principles that are deeply embedded in its corporate strategy.

Cheryl Norton, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at American Water, expressed her pride in this recognition, stating, "American Water is honored to be recognized by TIME as one of the World's Most Sustainable Companies. Sustainability principles are foundational to our corporate strategy and values. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing sustainability as part of our commitment to the communities we serve."

The Evaluation Process

The selection process for this list involved a comprehensive analysis of more than 5,800 global companies across various industries. Conducted by Statista, the research focused on over 20 key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess sustainability commitments. Companies were evaluated based on their reporting transparency, as well as their ecological and social stewardship.

For those unfamiliar with American Water, the company operates in 14 states and serves around 14 million people, making it the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States. Its history, which dates back to 1886, speaks to its resilience and adaptability in meeting the evolving needs of its customers and society.

Key Sustainability Principles

American Water's commitment to sustainability is reflected in several core principles:

1. Financial Sustainability: The company rigorously manages its capital investments to support growth while ensuring long-term value for shareholders. Operating cash flow, alongside a balanced approach to debt and equity issuance, provides a solid financial foundation.
2. Operational Excellence: The focus remains on delivering safe, clean, and affordable water and wastewater services. Compliance with rigorous operational safety and environmental standards is essential in maintaining trust and accountability with regulators and policymakers.
3. Cultural Investment: By investing in its workforce, American Water enhances innovation and operational efficiency. A high-performing team is crucial for providing quality service, aligning closely with the company's goals and values.

Looking Ahead

In light of this recognition, American Water is encouraged to further enhance its sustainability initiatives. The company understands that sustainability is not a destination but a journey that requires persistent effort and dedication.

This acknowledgment by TIME not only marks a significant achievement for American Water but also serves as an inspiration for other companies in the utilities sector to adopt and enhance their commitment to sustainability practices.

Those interested can view the full list of TIME's World’s Most Sustainable Companies for 2026 directly on TIME’s website and learn more about American Water's corporate sustainability leadership on their official pages.

American Water continues to champion eco-friendly practices as it strives to lead the water utility sector in fostering a sustainable future for the communities it serves, ultimately contributing towards a more sustainable planet for generations to come.