BURBANK, Calif., July 23, 2001 — United Water and the City of Burbank announced today that they have signed a five-year contract extension with a renewable five-year option for the operation of the Burbank Water Reclamation Plant and implementation of the Industrial Pretreatment Program and the Illicit Stormwater Program.

United Water will receive $2.7 million per year to operate the system and approximately $500,000 annually in additional service agreements. United Water's first operating contract with Burbank began in 1990.

"There were several reasons we awarded a contract extension to United Water," said Bruce Feng, director of public works for the city of Burbank. "The company has had excellent safety and compliance records during the past 11 years. The ability to draw from the worldwide expertise of the Suez family enables United Water to provide cost efficiencies that are reflected in Burbank's low rates for wastewater service. This extension validates their excellent knowledge and experience of the treatment and stormwater systems. It made the City Council's choice to extend the contract an easy one."

According to Patrick Sheilds, general manager for United Water, the Burbank Water Reclamation Plant is a nine million gallon per day operation serving a population of 100,000. It also treats the discharge from over 800 industrial users within city limits. "This contract is a testament to the hard work and dedication that both partners have put into this partnership," said Sheilds. "We're certainly very pleased with renewal of our agreement and we look forward to continuing to provide premier service to the people of Burbank."

United Water provides water services to more than 7.5 million people in the United States. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of ONDEO Services, part of the Suez Group, the world's leader in water and wastewater management services.

SOURCE: United Water