Cherry Hill, NJ -- New Jersey American Water this week announced the acquisition of the wastewater system assets of Valley Road Sewerage Company, which services a portion of Tewksbury, Hunterdon County. The acquisition of this 103-customer system was approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on August 1, 2008.

With the acquisition complete, New Jersey American Water will soon initiate plans for a $1.6-million improvement project for the wastewater treatment plant serving the community. This system has been in Receivership for many years and in recent years, has deteriorated and is in great need of repair. New Jersey American Water has been working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Board of Public Utilities and the Township of Tewksbury to acquire the system and on plans to make the necessary investments to bring the wastewater system into compliance with New Jersey environmental regulations.

The improvement project will include the following:

• The installation of two new ultraviolet units, which are used for disinfection.
• The refurbishment of the existing filters to improve the waste removal process, before the water is discharged into the stream.
• The installation of an additional tank on-site to improve the treatment of wastewater before it is discharged.
• The installation a new generator for improved reliability during power outages.

New Jersey American Water will be partnering with American Water's Applied Water Management team to complete the improvement project.

"As the state's largest water utility, New Jersey American Water prides itself on being a solutions provider to communities in need of water and wastewater services," said New Jersey American Water President John Bigelow. "This acquisition represents a shining example of a private company meeting a public need. We are very pleased to be able to assist the residents of Tewksbury."

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 2.5 million people. In addition to its regulated operations, American Water provides operation and maintenance services to an additional 274,000 people in New Jersey. New Jersey American Water is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK).

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs nearly 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15.6 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.