Iowa American Water's Environmental Grant Program

Iowa American Water announced today that the application process is now open for its 2011 Environmental Grant Program to support innovative, community- based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds and community drinking water supplies. Applications must be postmarked by March 25, 2011.

The company will award grants of up to $5,000. The program is designed to support diverse types of activities, such as watershed cleanups, reforestation efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects, wellhead protection initiatives and hazardous waste collection efforts.


"The Environmental Grant Program has been very successful in helping local organizations carry out meaningful, sustainable initiatives that benefit our watersheds,” said Randy Moore, president of Iowa American Water, “"We encourage municipalities, schools, environmental organizations and civic groups to apply for a grant to support projects that will benefit a watershed in their community."

To qualify, a proposed project must be located within an Iowa American Water service area and address a source water or watershed protection need in the community. All projects will be completed between May 1, 2011 and November 30, 2011. Criteria will be judged on the program innovation for the community, the partnership with other organizations and program sustainability.

In 2010, Iowa American Water awarded three grants totaling over $6,000. A panel of judges selected the winners based on criteria such as environmental need, innovation, community engagement and sustainability. Iowa American Water awarded its 2010 Environmental Grants to:

• Partners of Scott County Watersheds awarded $3,200 for its Infiltrate Iowa Project
• Waste Commission of Scott County awarded $2,000 for its Operation Medicine Cabinet Program
• Keep Scott County Beautiful, $1,000 for its Xstream Cleanup 2010

In 2010, Iowa American Water also recognized Bettendorf student Pavane Gorrepati for a campaign she developed to increase environmental awareness locally and nationally, to inspire conservation efforts by young people, to promote sustainability and to advance environmental education. Gorrepati was presented with a special recognition award and gift certificate for her efforts.Grant information and application forms can be found online at www.iaamwater.com.

Applications must be postmarked by March 25, 2011, and mailed to Lisa Reisen, external affairs manager, at Iowa American Water, 5201 Grand Avenue or emailed to Lisa.Reisen@amwater.com.

Iowa American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 200,000 people.