New Jersey American Water Named Recipient of 2018 Governor's Environmental Excellence Award for Innovative Technology

VOORHEES, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Jersey American Water was recognized by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as one of this year’s recipients of the annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards. Recipients were recognized earlier this week at a luncheon held at the New Jersey State Museum by DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe and First Lady Tammy Murphy, who also spoke at the event.

In its 19^th year, the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards recognize individuals, organizations and companies leading outstanding environmental initiatives, programs and projects around the state. Sponsored by the DEP, New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology, in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities and the DEP’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative, the awards program has recognized a total of 180 recipients since its inception in 2000.

This year, 50 applications were submitted for consideration and reviewed by a panel of judges who scored the nominations. New Jersey American Water was named an award recipient in the category of innovative technology – recognizing the company’s efforts in creating viable, innovative solutions for controlling water loss.

“Our leak detection efforts are a large part of the work we do ensure conservation and the efficient use of our most precious resource for our 2.7 million customers. Our teams – from water quality to plant operations and distribution professionals – are constantly working to find creative ways to utilize technology in order to provide quality service for our customers while keeping costs low,” explained Deborah Degillio, President of New Jersey American Water. “As a direct result of working in partnership with our leak management technology provider, we have not only created solutions to reduce water loss for those in New Jersey, but can also serve as a model to other water providers across the nation.”

In the Department of Environmental Protection’s news release announcing the award winners, DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe said, “This year’s winners exemplify New Jersey’s strong commitment to protecting the environment and following practices that will help us fight climate change and sea-level rise, while also improving flooding resiliency around the state. Their fine work is an example to us all, and I congratulate the winners for their outstanding achievements.”

Additional award recipients included: Candace McKee Ashmun (Richard J. Sullivan Award); Greenspot (Clean Air); American Littoral Society (Water Resources and Healthy Ecosystems & Habitats); Sandy Urgo (Land Conservation); Pioneers, Chapter 99 and Ericsson (Healthy & Sustainable Businesses); Sustainable Downbeach and Surfrider Foundation, South Jersey Chapter (Healthy & Sustainable Communities); New Jersey Climate Adaptation Alliance (Environmental Education – Educator-led); and Puja Vengadasalam (Environmental Education – Student-led).

To learn more about the awards, visit www.nj.gov/dep/eeawards/. For more information about New Jersey American Water, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com.

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.7 million people. More information can be found at www.newjerseyamwater.com . With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 45 states and Ontario, Canada. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing.