American Water Charitable Foundation and Illinois American Water Award over $40,000 to Support Accessible Drinking Water

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BELLEVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 28, 2025--

The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Illinois American Water, announced today that the Foundation has awarded $40,400 in grants to 12 eligible public charities and school districts, to fund bottle filling stations through its Hydration Station Grant Program. Funding for new filling stations will enhance sustainable hydration options and reduce single-use plastic waste in communities served by Illinois American Water.

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The American Water Charitable Foundation and Illinois American Water announced today that the Foundation has awarded $40,400 in grants to 12 eligible community organizations through its Hydration Station Grant Program.

“This contribution goes far beyond convenience—it directly supports the health and well-being of our students by encouraging regular hydration throughout the school day,” said Jeb Blomquist, maintenance director of South Beloit CUSD 320 and grant recipient. “Access to clean, easily refillable water empowers our students to stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. By reducing the reliance on single-use plastic bottles, our school community is taking meaningful steps toward sustainability and minimizing our ecological footprint.”

“The Hydration Station Grant Program supports community partners in our mutual goals of making a positive impact on the environment and helping to ensure easy access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water,” said Rebecca Losli , president of Illinois American Water. “Accessible, safe hydration is essential to creating lifelong healthy and environmentally responsible habits.”

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is pleased to partner with organizations that align with Illinois American Water’s focus on sustainable water access, by providing accessible bottle filling stations that make a meaningful impact,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. The following organizations, located across 10 counties throughout Illinois American Water’s service territory, were awarded a grant:

• Butterfield Preservation Foundation, Lombard
• The Carle Foundation, Urbana
• EP!C, Peoria
• Jersey School District, Jerseyville
• Monroe County YMCA - HTC Center, Columbia
• Pekin Community High School, Pekin
• Shiloh Village School District #85, Shiloh
• South Beloit CUSD 320, South Beloit
• Stephens Family YMCA, Champaign
• Streator Family YMCA, Streator
• Stookey Parks Not for Profit, Belleville
• Villa Grove CUSD 302, Villa Grove

Each organization will receive funding to purchase a water bottle filling station at a community location, enhancing access to safe, clean, sustainable drinking water for all. The awarded bottle filling stations are expected to be installed in the coming months to benefit residents, visitors, and the environment alike.

Funding for hydrant stations is provided through the Foundation's State Strategic Impact Grant Program. The State Strategic Impact grant is part of the 2025 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. State Strategic Impact grants support high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water’s national footprint.

For more details, please visit www.illinoisamwater.com --> News & Community --> Community Involvement --> Hydration Station Grant Program.

About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $20 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251028395526/en/

CONTACT: Media Contact

Anna Kubas

Senior Manager, External Communications

Illinois American Water

[email protected]

KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ILLINOIS

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENVIRONMENT CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY OTHER ENERGY URBAN PLANNING UTILITIES SUSTAINABILITY PHILANTHROPY ENERGY FOUNDATION OTHER PHILANTHROPY

SOURCE: Illinois American Water

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PUB: 10/28/2025 03:15 PM/DISC: 10/28/2025 03:15 PM

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