Core Viewpoint - New Jersey American Water has filed a request for new rates to support over $1.4 billion in ongoing water and wastewater service system investments, emphasizing its commitment to improving water quality and reliability for approximately 2.9 million customers in New Jersey [1][2]. Infrastructure Investments - The proposed request aims to modernize and strengthen water and wastewater systems, including the replacement or rehabilitation of nearly 120 miles of aging infrastructure and the ongoing replacement of lead service lines [2]. - Investments will also address emerging contaminants such as PFAS in drinking water [2]. Customer Impact - If approved, the average residential water customer would see an increase of approximately $10 per month, while customers served by sanitary wastewater systems would experience an average increase of $8 per month [3]. Customer Assistance Programs - New Jersey American Water seeks to make monthly bill discounts more accessible for customers receiving energy assistance through LIHEAP and USF, potentially becoming the only water utility in New Jersey to offer this level of support [4]. - The company offers various assistance programs for income-eligible customers, including the H2O Help to Others program, budget billing options, and flexible payment plans [4]. Tax Refund Proposal - The company is requesting permission to return savings from a Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) refund directly to customers, aiming to offset other regulatory expenses and spread the remaining balance back to customers [5][6]. Regulatory Process - The request for new rates will undergo extensive scrutiny by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), including public hearings and evidentiary hearings, which can take nine months or more [7]. - All rate changes require BPU approval, and if approved, the new rates would take effect in the second half of the year [7]. Company Overview - New Jersey American Water is a subsidiary of American Water, the largest regulated water utility in the state, serving approximately 2.9 million people with over 950 dedicated employees [10].

Core Viewpoint - New Jersey American Water and The Watershed Institute emphasize the environmental risks associated with excessive winter salt use, urging responsible practices to protect waterways and wildlife [1][2][3]. Environmental Impact - Excessive road salt use leads to increased sodium and chloride levels in drinking water sources, which can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and pose challenges for water treatment systems [2][3]. - High salt levels can persist year-round, especially under drought conditions, harming aquatic life and promoting harmful algal blooms during summer months [3]. Awareness Initiatives - Winter Salt Week 2026, scheduled for January 26-30, aims to promote responsible salt use through education and community engagement, highlighting that safety and sustainability can coexist [4]. - The initiative is supported by Wisconsin Salt Wise in collaboration with utilities, regulators, and environmental organizations [4]. Practical Steps for Salt Use - Residents and municipalities are encouraged to adopt simple, cost-effective practices to minimize environmental impacts while ensuring safety, such as: - Clearing snow before it turns to ice to reduce de-icing needs [7]. - Using only the necessary amount of salt, with a 12-ounce coffee mug holding enough for a 20-foot driveway [7]. - Efficiently spreading salt and sweeping up excess to prevent runoff [7]. - Switching to liquid brine, which can reduce salt application by 30-50% [7]. - Reevaluating snow-removal contracts to focus on area cleared rather than salt applied [7]. Company Information - New Jersey American Water is the largest regulated water utility in New Jersey, serving approximately 2.9 million people with safe and reliable water and wastewater services [6]. - The Watershed Institute is dedicated to protecting and restoring water quality in New Jersey through conservation and advocacy efforts [8].

Core Insights - Iowa American Water emphasizes the importance of water conservation and offers practical tips for customers to save money, water, and time in 2026 [2][3] - The company invested over $50 million in system upgrades in 2025 to enhance water and wastewater infrastructure, reducing leaks and improving efficiency [2] Company Overview - American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, serving over 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations [5] - Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in Iowa, providing services to approximately 227,000 people [8] Customer Engagement - Customers are encouraged to enroll in Auto Pay and paperless billing to save time and manage their accounts more efficiently [3][6] - The MyWater account allows customers to access an interactive Customer Advisory Map for alerts and to update their contact information for emergency notifications [3][4] Water Conservation Tips - Recommendations include running dishwashers and clothes washers only when full, using low-flow fixtures, and checking for leaks [6] - Outdoor water conservation strategies involve using drip irrigation, watering during cooler times, and disconnecting hoses when not in use [6]

Core Insights - American Water emphasizes the importance of water conservation and offers tips for customers to save money, water, and time while staying informed about their services [1][2]. Investment and Infrastructure - Over the next decade, American Water plans to invest between $46 billion and $48 billion in system upgrades to enhance water and wastewater infrastructure, aiming to reduce leaks and improve efficiency and resiliency [2]. Water Conservation Tips - The company provides various household tips for conserving water, including using water wisely indoors, protecting pipes, and conserving water outdoors during the watering season [3][6]. - Technologies such as acoustic leak monitoring, drones, and smart metering are employed to detect leaks and monitor water usage, showcasing the value of infrastructure investments [3]. Customer Engagement and Services - Customers can save time by enrolling in Auto Pay and paperless billing through their MyWater account, which also allows them to stay informed via an interactive Customer Advisory Map for alerts [4][7]. - Non-account holders can access alerts and report emergencies through the company's website [5]. Company Overview - American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., serving over 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations, with a history dating back to 1886 [8].

Core Insights - California Water Service Group (CWT) has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a stronger earnings outlook compared to American Water Works (AWK), which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - CWT is considered more attractive to value investors due to its favorable valuation metrics and stronger estimate revision activity [7] Valuation Metrics - CWT has a forward P/E ratio of 17.73, while AWK has a forward P/E of 21.30, suggesting CWT is undervalued relative to AWK [5] - The PEG ratio for CWT is 2.02, compared to AWK's PEG ratio of 3.15, indicating CWT's expected earnings growth is more favorable [5] - CWT's P/B ratio is 1.56, while AWK's P/B ratio is 2.33, further supporting CWT's valuation attractiveness [6] Value Grades - CWT has a Value grade of B, while AWK has a Value grade of D, reflecting CWT's superior valuation metrics [6]

Core Insights - Kentucky American Water emphasizes the importance of water conservation for both environmental sustainability and cost savings for customers [2] - The company invested approximately $70 million in system upgrades in 2025 to enhance water infrastructure, reduce leaks, and improve efficiency [2] Water Conservation Tips - Customers are encouraged to use water wisely inside their homes by running dishwashers and clothes washers only when full and installing water-efficient appliances [6] - Outdoor water conservation tips include using drip irrigation, watering plants during cooler times of the day, and checking irrigation systems for leaks [6] Customer Engagement and Services - Kentucky American Water offers auto pay and paperless billing options to help customers save time and manage their bills effectively [3][6] - The MyWater account provides customers with an interactive advisory map to stay informed about water service alerts and emergencies [3][4] Company Overview - American Water, the parent company of Kentucky American Water, is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S., serving over 14 million people across 14 states [5] - Kentucky American Water serves approximately 527,000 people, providing safe and reliable water and wastewater services [7]

Core Insights - The American Water Charitable Foundation awarded a total of $75,000 in State Strategic Impact grants to 13 organizations in Iowa service areas in 2025 [1] Group 1: Grant Details - The State Strategic Impact grant is part of the Foundation's Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on three pillars: Water, People, and Communities [2] - The Foundation has invested over $20 million in funding through grants and matching gifts since 2012 to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water [4][10] Group 2: Community Impact - The River Bend Food Bank received a $20,000 grant, which enabled the purchase of nutritious food and inspired employee volunteers to assemble 600 meal boxes and deliver over 7,500 meals [2] - Iowa American Water emphasizes its commitment to community support, stating that giving back is central to its mission [3] Group 3: Company Overview - American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., serving over 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations [6] - Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides services to approximately 227,000 people in Iowa [9]

Core Insights - Missouri American Water emphasizes the importance of water conservation and offers tips for customers to save money, water, and time in 2026 [2][3] - The company invested over $450 million in 2025 to upgrade its water and wastewater infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and reducing leaks [2] Water Conservation Tips - Inside the home, customers are encouraged to run dishwashers and clothes washers only when full, install water-efficient appliances, and use low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators [6] - Outside, customers should water only when necessary, use drip irrigation, and check irrigation systems for leaks [6] Customer Engagement and Services - Customers can enroll in Auto Pay and paperless billing through their MyWater account for convenience [3][6] - The interactive Customer Advisory Map allows customers to stay informed about alerts and emergencies in their area [4] Company Overview - American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S., serving over 14 million people across 14 states [5] - Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, serves approximately 1.6 million people in Missouri [8]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying high-quality dividend-growing and undervalued investment opportunities to achieve strong total returns through cash dividends and capital gains [1]. Group 1 - Scott Kaufman, known as Treading Softly, has over a decade of experience in the financial sector and serves as the lead analyst for Dividend Kings [1]. - The focus of the analysis is on generating a robust total return by harvesting cash dividends alongside strong capital gains [1].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying high-quality dividend-growing and undervalued investment opportunities to achieve strong total returns through cash dividends and capital gains [1]. Group 1: Analyst Background - Scott Kaufman, known as Treading Softly, has over a decade of experience in the financial sector and serves as the lead analyst for Dividend Kings [1]. Group 2: Investment Focus - The focus of the analysis is on generating a robust total return by harvesting cash dividends and strong capital gains from investments [1].