California American Water announced it is accepting applications for its 2012 Environmental Grant Program.

The company will award several grants for a combined total of $10,000 to innovative community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds and drinking water supplies within the state.

A wide variety of conservation projects are eligible for funding, such as watershed cleanups, educational programs, biodiversity projects, waterway restoration projects, wellhead protection initiatives and hazardous waste collection efforts.

"We all share in the tremendous benefits California's diverse watersheds provide as well as the responsibility to maintain them," said Rob MacLean, president of California American Water. "That is why we are encouraging municipalities, schools, environmental organizations and civic groups to apply for a grant to support projects that will benefit their local water ecosystem."

To qualify, a proposed project must be:

  • Located within one or more of California American Water's service areas;
  • Completed between May 1, 2012 and November 30, 2012; and
  • A new or innovative community initiative or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program.

Projects will be judged based on criteria that include clarity of project goals and projected impact, strength of collaboration with other community and/or municipal organizations and evidence that the project will provide sustainable environmental results after California American Water's funding ends.

In 2011, the program supported the The Energy Coalition, located within the company's San Diego service district, which received $5,000 for its "Hydrating San Diegans" program. The grant was used to bring their award-winning environmental education program to various schools throughout San Diego. This program helps reduce the students' domestic water and energy use, with the goal of lowering their family's water and electric bills by 5 to 10 percent.

The second recipient was KVIE Public Television, which was awarded $5,000 to fund its 60-minute television program "Debating the Delta" that educated regional viewers on the choices we face in saving the state's water supply. The program presents a wide range of informed opinions so Californians can gain a deeper understanding of the critical Delta issues.

Grant information and application forms can be found online at californiaamwater.com.

Applications must be postmarked by Friday, March 9, 2012, and mailed to:

California American Water
4701 Beloit Drive
Sacramento, CA 95838
Attn: Luke Gianni

California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 600,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.

California American Water
Kevin Tilden
Office: 619-435-7402
Mobile: 619-206-8099
Email: kevin.tilden@amwater.com