• Partnership pays dividends for Buffalo Water System
VOORHEES, NJ, Jan. 24, 2008 -- American Water, the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company, announced today it has received the 2008 Excellence in Public-Private Partnership Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. This award honors the outstanding achievements made possible through the combined effort of cities and the members of the Mayors Business Council. American Water and the city of Buffalo were honored for the positive results of a public-private partnership and significant improvements to the city's water system.
The awards were presented in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Conference of Mayors 76th Winter Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008 at the Excellence in Public/Private Partnership Awards Breakfast.
"American Water is truly honored to receive such a prestigious award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors," said Donald Correll, president and chief executive officer of American Water. "This successful partnership demonstrates the support and solutions that American Water can offer municipalities to best manage their systems and provide reliable water service to their customers."
After six years of working with American Water, the city of Buffalo recognized $21 million in savings through operational and financial improvements. The public-private partnership between the city of Buffalo and American Water has made significant improvements to the city's water system, including the complete automation of customer records, the design and construction of a brand new customer service center and a new computerized maintenance and management system.
City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown stated, "The city of Buffalo Water Board's public-private partnership continues to be a 'win-win-win' situation...The city wins by improving its water infrastructure and financial management. The city employees win by preserving valuable pensions and benefits. Most importantly, the taxpayer wins by getting clean, reliable water at a reasonable price and improved customer service."
Since 1997, American Water has managed, upgraded, operated and maintained the city's water system to provide: repair and maintenance of the distribution system; water treatment and pump station operation; residuals management; customer service; billing and collections; and the repair and installation of water meters. In the past decade, increased efficiency has occurred on both the managerial and operational levels of Buffalo's water services.
By implementing alternative payment delivery methods that offered more flexibility and choice, the city's previous collection rates of 80 percent have risen to 97 percent, and revenues have exceeded 100 percent of service charges in three separate years.
Also, from an operational standpoint, American Water provided expertise to implement regulatory standards, improve water quality, and measure technical performance. Since the formation of the public-private partnership, water turbidity has gone down by 77 percent. In addition, American Water reduced the average winter's 250-300 main breaks and associated labor costs by installing a data system to monitor and control pump stations and to manage excess pressure. Only 128 main breaks occurred in 2006, compared to 265 in 2005.
Founded in 1886, American Water, headquartered in Voorhees, NJ, is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company.
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Also see:
-- "Iowa American Water's Rate Case Approved - Significant Infrastructure Investment Drives Increase"
-- "Water Supply Deficit Needs Immediate Solution Say 90% of Fayette County Residents - Customers support Kentucky American Water plan for new treatment plant"
-- "Illinois Water Company to Hold Public Meetings on New Treatment Plant - State Regulators Approve Long-Term Financing Plan for the Water Treatment Plant"
-- "Pennsylvania American Water Appoints Senior Director for Western PA Field Operations"
-- "Pennsylvania American Water Appoints Senior Director for Eastern PA Field Operations"
-- "American Water Canada Receives Award from Ontario Public Works Association"
-- "Significant Investment in Infrastructure Drives New Jersey American Water Rate Filing with New Jersey Board of Public Utilities - Company Investment in Infrastructure More than $350 Million"
-- "California American Water Names New General Manager - Craig Anthony To Lead The Company's Central Division"
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