AMER0838_CR Report 2010_8_23 - American Water

perspective on: water management performance
Our business
depends on trust.
Managing a life essential resource
is a responsibility we take seriously.
American Water was
43 times BETTER
than the industry average
for compliance with drinking
water quality standards
Scott Ballenger, Ohio American Water
Managing for the long term
Managing water resources is complex, demanding constant vigilance to help ensure water quality, as
well as a long-term view to ensure a sustainable water future. At American Water, we have developed a
comprehensive approach to Integrated Water Resource Management that entails maintaining a range of
water resources and assets—both the man-made assets as well as the natural environment.
We have to consider a range of interrelated factors when making decisions about water-management
including population changes and demand trends, climate change and variability, short-term and long-term
infrastructure needs, and opportunities for innovative solutions.
Our Integrated Water Resources Management program focuses on understanding all of the water
resources available to American Water communities and surrounding regions, actively caring for those
resources and providing solutions that best match an area’s water needs and constraints. It is a more
holistic assessment of water solutions than traditional, single solutions made by individual entities.
Participation from internal and external stakeholders ensures that local interests and points of view are
understood and that all viable options are considered, which assures that solutions meet the needs of
customers as well as the regional community.
Corporate responsibility report 2010 45