• City county council must approve recommendation
HARRINGTON PARK, NJ, Aug. 15, 2007 -- The Indianapolis Board of Public Works has approved the Department of Public Works recommendation that United Water operate the city's wastewater treatment facilities for the next contract period. The recommendation must be approved by the City County Council, which is expected to vote on the matter in September.
United Water, which has operated the Indianapolis facilities through a public-private partnership since 1994, was selected following a competitive proposal process. The company's current contract ends December 31, 2007. The new contract will take effect January 1, 2008.
"We're excited about the opportunity to continue to serve Indianapolis," said Anthony J. Harding, United Water's CEO. "We are looking forward to renewing our commitment to the 800,000 residents and 41,000 businesses that we have served for more than 13 years. Our team will further improve the performance of the wastewater treatment facilities and build upon our record of achievements, particularly in the environmental and community service areas."
United Water, one of the nation's largest water services companies, is a subsidiary of the Suez Environment division of the Suez Group, which supplies sustainable solutions for essential environmental services (water, sanitation and waste services) to industrial and individual customers around the world. United Water is a key component in the Suez strategy to expand its position in North America.
In addition to operating the advanced Belmont and Southport wastewater treatment plants, which have a combined capacity of 250 million gallons per day, United Water also maintains 3,000 miles of sewage collection system, operates the Eagle Creek Dam and provides laboratory services and industrial pretreatment monitoring.
"The recommendation by the Indianapolis Board of Public Works demonstrates the value that United Water's public-private partnership brings to the community," said Harding. "This includes operating efficiencies which have translated into $189 million in savings for the city over the last 10 years as well as environmental improvements which have earned multiple awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies."
Both regulated utilities and public-private partnerships continue to be a key component in United Water's measured growth strategy, explained Harding. United Water recently completed the acquisitions of Aquarion Water Company of New York, a regulated water utility, and AOS Operating Company which provides water and wastewater operations and maintenance services, largely for municipal clients in New England and California.
In addition to acquisitions, Harding explained that United Water is pursuing growth through public-private partnerships with municipalities. The company currently operates 145 municipal water and wastewater operations through contract agreements. This includes four of the nation's largest municipal contracts: Indianapolis, IN, Gary, IN, Milwaukee, WI and Jersey City, NJ.
United Water provides water and wastewater services to 7.7 million people in the United States. In addition to owning and operating 25 regulated utilities, United Water operates 145 municipal systems through public-private partnerships and contract agreements including four of the nation's largest water and wastewater contracts. Founded in 1869, United Water is a subsidiary of the Suez Environment division of the Suez Group.
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