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American Water Celebrated for Outstanding Company Culture

American Water, a leading utility firm in the water and wastewater sector, has been acknowledged by Forbes on its 2026 list of America’s Best Employers for Company Culture. This accolade marks the second consecutive year the company has received such recognition, reflecting a consistent commitment to cultivating a positive work environment for its employees.

Located in Camden, New Jersey, American Water operates as the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, serving approximately 14 million individuals. Forbes' recognition comes as a result of a comprehensive survey involving over 217,000 employees across various organizations with a minimum of 1,000 staff members. The ranking is derived from three critical components: personal evaluations by current employees, public assessments from industry peers and associates, and an analysis of significant company culture performance indicators conducted by Statista.

As Lori Sutton, American Water’s Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, states, “At American Water, our people power our purpose.” This statement encapsulates the firm’s ethos of prioritizing employee experience and engagement. The recognition speaks volumes about how the workforce perceives their daily experiences at American Water, highlighting efforts to foster an environment conducive to growth, appreciation, and impactful contributions.

The company's workplace culture is underpinned by principles such as trust, dignity, respect, and a unified team spirit. American Water consistently invests in programs designed to develop its employees, ensuring there is a robust framework for training and advancement. Noteworthy initiatives include:

• - Future Wavemakers College Internship Program: This key initiative seeks to nurture emerging leaders in the water and wastewater industry through rigorous internship experiences.
• - Flow Forward: A summer camp tailored for high school students aimed at equipping them with vital skills through workshops focused on resume building and networking.
• - Water UP! Program: A hands-on training initiative in partnership with Rowan College of South Jersey, designed to prepare adults for careers in the water sector with a curriculum that covers water treatment and safety.
• - Hopeworks Partnership: Collaborating with local nonprofits to provide employment and training opportunities for young adults, fostering skill development through practical projects.

Overseeing operations in 14 states, American Water plays a pivotal role not just in maintaining a strong organizational culture but also in providing essential water services to the communities in its operational regions. By committing to enhancing its workforce through dedicated development programs, American Water aims to build a resilient and skilled team prepared for the future demands of the water sector.

The commitment to employee empowerment and development at American Water sets a standard in the industry, creating an impactful workplace that values individuals' contributions while ensuring the communities they serve enjoy reliable and safe water services. This ongoing ambition to invest in human resources underscores the company’s vision to maintain excellent service levels that society can rely on.

For a full overview of the Forbes America's Best Employers for Company Culture 2026, visit Forbes' website.

With a legacy spanning 140 years, American Water remains dedicated to ensuring that they “Keep Life Flowing®” by providing safe, clean, and affordable water and wastewater services. As they look to the future, American Water continues to exemplify leadership in not only delivering essential services but also in fostering an engaging workplace culture that supports its employees and the communities it serves.