During May, we recognize Military Appreciation Month and those who have dedicated themselves to protect and serve our country. Our commitment to military servicemen, women and their families extends all year round – it’s an essential part of American Water.
Let’s take a look at a few of the ways we support military operations and the community on base and beyond.
We use our expertise to support military operations and life on base.
Twenty-five years ago, the government saw an opportunity to improve utilities on bases and government properties across the country by partnering with utility companies. The result was the Utilities Privatization (UP) Program, which brought in companies like American Water that can focus on the water and wastewater systems, as well as invest, maintain and improve those systems.
Today, American Water’s Military Services Group (MSG) operates at 17 military installations across the country, providing water and wastewater services that aid in day-to-day operations and support life on base. With servicemen, women and their families depending on these systems, on the job and at home, this responsibility is not taken lightly. We are proud of what we have been able to achieve for them.
We invest in the communities beyond base walls.
American Water, and specifically MSG, is doing great work in helping to ensure access to clean, safe, reliable water on military bases across the country. But one lesser-known fact is that the organization is supporting local and minority-owned businesses in base communities in the process.
In the communities that surround military bases, the economy is highly impacted by the base itself, and often the people involved have a personal connection to the military – through an active or retired spouse, parent, child, etc. American Water and its Military Services Group are committed to working with local suppliers and contractors to support their operations on base. And by engaging with these local contractors – specifically women-, veteran- and minority-owned businesses – we can funnel work and money into helping those in the local community.
We support servicemembers during and after their time in the military.
It’s no secret that those who serve and veterans bring a diverse set of skills to the workforce from their active-duty experience involving teamwork, leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving, among others. But some servicemen and women find it increasingly difficult to adjust to civilian life and find jobs that align with their Military Occupational Specialty or “MOS.” At American Water, we see it as our responsibility as a company to make sure our inclusion, diversity and equity strategy includes recruiting, retaining and catering to those who served, currenting serving, military spouses and beyond.
As of 2021, 6.4 percent of our workforce identify as military or veterans. We work hard to support them every day – that’s why in 2022 we were awarded the VETS Indexes 3-Star Employer award, as well as Military Friendly® Top 10 Gold Employer, Top 10 Supplier Diversity and Top 10 Brand designations.
For more information about American Water’s Military Services Group, visit www.amwater.com/militaryservices.
