American Water has launched an Environmental Grant Program in Pennsylvania to support innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds and community drinking water supplies.

Grants of up to $10,000 will be provided for projects that result in the protection or improvement of the community's public drinking water supplies and/or improve, restore or protect a watershed.

Examples of activities supported by the program include watershed cleanups, reforestation efforts, underground tank inspection programs, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects, wellhead protection initiatives and hazardous waste collection efforts.

"Every individual and community has the ability to positively impact our source water and watersheds," said Robert Ross, president and CEO, Pennsylvania American Water. "We encourage communities, schools and non-governmental organizations to consider their impact and to apply for a grant."

Surface water (rivers, lakes and streams) is the source of 60 percent of the nation's drinking water; the remainder is supplied by groundwater sources.

"There are opportunities for communities to lend the water supply and watershed a helping hand," continued Ross. "It is American Water's hope that this environmental grant program will support and enable our communities to improve the sustainability of this precious natural resource."

To qualify, a proposed project must be located within Pennsylvania American Water's service area, be completed between June 1, 2005 and November 1, 2005, and be a new or innovative initiative for the community or serve as significant expansion to an existing program.

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

Applications must be postmarked by Friday, April 1 and mailed to American Water, 852 Wesley Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Attn: Joi Corrado.

To download the application, visit the Environmental Grants Brochure webpage.

2/18/2005