American Water Awarded Contract from Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development Foun

American Water Awarded Contract from Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation

VOORHEES, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Water (NYS: AWK) , the nation's largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company, today announced it is a partner to a $1.8 million, 2-year award from the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation along with Steam Control Ltd. for the development of an advanced pressured management system.

This research project demonstrates the feasibility of installing modifications on existing pressure system controls that could reduce pressure in a system in response to reduced customer demand. International efforts to reduce leakage have confirmed that reducing excessive pressure not only reduces the volume of leaks through pipes but reduces the frequency of pipe failures. The expected outcome of the project will enable average reduction of water leakage significantly.

"Increasing operational efficiency by reducing water waste is a major priority at American Water and for many utilities around the world," said Dr. Mark LeChevallier, Director of Innovation and Environmental Stewardship at American Water. "Leakage in public water systems is a common problem, undermining water-resource efficiency and resulting in loss of purified drinking water, wasting the energy and material resources used in abstraction and treatment. This innovation can automatically reduce water pressures under low flow and will result in less water leakage and reduced non-revenue water. We also believe this project will reduce the number of main breaks that occur."

This is the first BIRD Foundation award for American Water and Steam Control Ltd. This project is part of the company's Innovation Development Process. American Water used its industry-leading position to launch the Innovation Development Process in 2009 to drive innovation and support the development of new products. The program tests new ideas, both from within the company and from business partners, to create greater efficiencies in strategic areas such as water reuse, desalination, wastewater operations and bio-energy.

About BIRD Foundation

The BIRD (Binational Industrial Research and Development) Foundation works to encourage cooperation between Israeli and American companies in the various areas of technology, and provides free assistance in locating strategic partners from both countries for developing joint products.

The BIRD Foundation supports projects without receiving any rights in the participating companies or in the project itself. The financial assistance is repaid as royalties from sales. The Foundation provides support of up to 50% of a project's budget, beginning with R&D and ending with the initial stages of sales and marketing. The Foundation shares the risk and does not demand that the investment be repaid if the project fails to reach the sales stage.

About Steam Control Ltd.

Stream Control Ltd. is an Israeli start-up company, which has developed Aqua-Guard, a patented electronic controller which integrates elements of hardware, software and hydraulics targeting a reduction of 25 percent of total water loss. The company has successfully completed a first pilot project in the city of Jerusalem and is currently launching the product in Israel, Brazil and the UK.

About American Water

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 30 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.

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American Water
Denise Venuti Free
External Communications Manager
856-309-4690
denise.free@amwater.com

KEYWORDS: United States North America New Jersey Middle East Israel

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