American Water's Innovations Team is considered "best in class" in the industry, so much so that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) frequently taps into the team when working on new standards and requirements for water quality. The team works hard every day to not only help ensure our water treatment and testing methods are up to USEPA standards, but to look for ways to innovate and improve those methods. Our expertise is shared with government agencies, university engineering departments and leaders in water treatment technology. The team also plays a very active role in the development of sustainable water supply solutions and can frequently be found making presentations at industry conferences.
Innovations in Water Treatment: American Water professionals are at the leading edge of research and development of water treatment processes. Two areas in particular where we have contributed to water quality standards are in the creation of rules and regulation surrounding E. coli and Cryptosporidium, two water contaminants that can cause illness if ingested. In 2008, Dr. Mark LeChevallier, American Water's Director of Innovation and Environmental Stewardship joined representatives of the USEPA to sign a revised "Total Coliform Rule." The rule was developed by the USEPA's Federal Advisory Committee to better protect public health from E. coli bacteria by requiring stringent treatment methods to kill the harmful bacteria. Additionally, since 1993, our professionals have won over a dozen awards for their research, received nearly $34 million in research grants and have been awarded three patents for work on Cryptosporidium. We have also pioneered new treatment methods such as using ozonation and ultraviolet light to further improve and evolve water treatment methods.
Innovations in Water Supply: Discovery and development of new technologies and resources are becoming more and more important in our world today. Desalination and water reuse are two methods we have perfected and now use every day. Across the country - from Tampa Bay, Florida, to Anthem, Arizona, to New York City to Foxboro, Massachusetts - we are using these new technologies to provide customers with sustainable water supply solutions. These projects, as well as others, are examples of how we are using innovation and technology to make a difference for our customers and our environment.