American Water, the largest water services provider in North America, continued to grow in 2005 and is off to a strong start this year partnering with communities to deliver reliable water and water-related services that benefit municipalities and help foster economic sustainability.
Last year, the company expanded its regulated footprint and secured over 50 contracts adding new business through a variety of non-regulated service agreements in bulk water sales, water and wastewater system operations and maintenance, and sewer billing and collections. So far this year, American Water closed five acquisitions and signed ten service contracts, and the company is poised to continue growing by acquisition and by providing other value-added services.
“American Water is focused on providing more services to communities where we already have relationships,” said Walt Howard, the company’s head of sales and development. “And we continue building new partnerships with communities to expand our regulated footprint. By virtue of our extensive size and scope, we are able to offer customized solutions to growing communities and provide the water they need through bulk water sale agreements,” he said of the company’s partnerships with towns adjacent to its service areas.
American Water now partners with over 100 municipalities and sewer authorities to provide billing and collection services. Arrangements such as these where American Water owns or operates the water system are a natural fit because often residents are charged for sewer based on water usage. Homeowners too are able to take advantage of the added convenience of a combined bill for water and sewer charges.
“This type of service is cost-effective for the local government, and results in better collection rates as well as an improved cash flow to the municipality,” Howard said.
Source: American Water