Iowa American Water Completes About $2 Million in Water Main Upgrade Projects in the Iowa Quad Cities17:13 EST Thursday, November 08, 2012 DAVENPORT, Iowa (Business Wire) -- Iowa American Water announced today that almost $2 million in water main upgrades have been completed in the Iowa Quad Cities this year, and the largest single project, an almost $1 million valve replacement and main project on River Drive in Davenport is near completion. The River Drive improvement project included replacement or rehabilitation of 20 valves and abandonment of some water main that was no longer necessary due to other transmission line upgrades in the area over the years. The valve upgrade work assures that valves along River Drive are fully operable which allows water company crews the ability to better isolate water main breaks when they occur and lessen the inconvenience to customers. “This project improves reliability for our customers by replacing aging valves that have been the cause of significant breaks in the past,” said Randy Moore, President. “We scheduled the work to coincide with the city of Davenport's East River Drive Resurfacing Project which was beneficial not only to our customers but to the company and city as well. As stewards of our region's water system, we work hard to treat and deliver high-quality water to our customers, and to make ongoing system improvements to ensure continued reliable service now and in the future. When we are able to partner with the communities we serve to do that work at less cost and less inconvenience to our customers and city residents, it is a win-win situation for us all.” Earlier this year, water main replacement projects totaling an additional $1.1 million were completed on Oak and Tenplus Streets, Tanglefoot Lane, Pleasant Ridge Drive and 25th Street in Bettendorf; North Pine and North Harrison Streets, Jersey Ridge Road at Duck Creek and 53rd Street east of Elmore Avenue in Davenport; Davenport Avenue in LeClaire and Manor and Circle Drives in Riverdale. About 7,300 feet of water main was replaced and upgraded as part of those projects. Pipeline replacement projects are selected on their community benefits, including the company's ability to partner with service communities to make upgrades during planned projects, reducing water main breaks and improving the overall integrity of the water system in the area. "Reliable, quality water is essential in almost everything we do--It's not only for drinking, cooking and cleaning; it's for fire protection, manufacturing, business and industry and overall economic vitality,” added Moore. “When we invest in upgrading our water systems, we improve quality and reliability for our customers and enhance fire protection in our service communities. In the U.S., water services are often so reliable that most people do not think twice about what comes out of their faucets or what it's been through to become safe enough to drink. There's an obvious cost to assure water quality and reliability, but most people never think about it unless, for some reason, they have to go without water service.” In August, Iowa American Water launched a customer education program to help consumers better understand everything that goes into providing them all with high quality water and reliable water service and highlight the important role they play by simply paying their water bills, which, in turn, helps support system improvements to ensure the continued reliability. More information can be found on the company's website at www.iowaamwater.com and on its Facebook page. “By supporting needed water system improvements, customers and Iowa American Water are working together to keep the water flowing now and well into the future – all for about a penny a gallon,” noted Moore. Iowa American Water maintains approximately 153 miles of water main in its Clinton District and another 675 miles in the Iowa Quad Cities. This year in Clinton, Iowa American Water invested about $1.8 million in water main upgrade projects. About Iowa American Water Iowa American Water, a 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. 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 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in more than 30 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com. Iowa American WaterLisa ReisenManager, External Affairs563-468-9221Lisa.Reisen@amwater.com