SANTA ROSA, Calif., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Mark West Chamber of Commerce has announced California American Water as their 2008-2009 "Member of the Year." The annual award is given to the company or individual that demonstrably contributes to the betterment of both the business and private sector of the Larkfield community. "It was consensus of the board," said Mark West Chamber president Walt Smith. "In the final analysis, we thought California American Water had done so much more than anyone else and, in appreciation, that's where the vote went." California American Water has been serving its Larkfield customers for more than 30 years, playing a vital role in providing the community's residents and businesses with a reliable supply of high quality water. This also includes efforts to reduce water waste in Larkfield through conservation campaigns and the introduction of tiered rate structures, which rewards low water users with lower rates. The company's campaign has been a major success, having reduced water use in Larkfield by more than 25 percent this year. In addition to other conservation efforts, California American Water staff and volunteers removed an ornamental lawn and replaced it with a water efficient landscape garden at the Mark West Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center in March. Constructed from more than a 100 native drought-tolerant plants, this garden demonstrates the latest in water saving landscaping. "We are honored to have been selected for this award," said Anthony Lindstrom, California American Water's Operations Superintendent in Larkfield. "We have been working hard to provide this community with high quality and reliable water while promoting conservation to ensure a sustainable supply. This award is a testament to that ongoing effort." California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE:AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 600,000 people. 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 more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting http://www.amwater.com/. DATASOURCE: California American Water CONTACT: Evan Jacobs of California American Water, +1-916-568-4252, Web Site: http://www.californiaamwater.com/

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