American Water (AW) is making a $500,000 donation to COVID-19 (coronavirus) relief efforts through its American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF).
In a news release, the utility revealed that the 501(c)(3) nonprofit will distribute the money directly to several initiatives, including the American Water Employee Crisis Fund and the COVID-19 Response Fund.
“Providing this donation to our charitable foundation ensures that every grant dollar will be awarded directly to organizations making a valuable impact in the communities served by American Water and managing through the COVID-19 crisis,” said CEO Water Lynch. “We know our customers, our communities and our employees have all been personally impacted.”
AW and the AWCF also announced a $100,000 donation to Feeding America to help food banks nationwide support those affected by the coronavirus, reported the press release.
“There has never been a more critical time in our country to support one another or lend a charitable hand to our communities and our employees in need,” said Carrie Williams, AWCF president.
AW has also suspended billing related service shut offs, late fees and will continue to evaluate this suspension period and remain in compliance with state orders, according to the press release.
Water service may be temporarily interrupted for planned and unplanned work that may be performed in an area. Residents will receive advance notice of any planned service interruptions, however.
AW is turning water service back on for customers who were previously shut-off for non-payment, including customers whose water service was turned off for non-payment of sewer service, even if American Water is not the sewer service provider.
“It may take some time to turn water back on, but we will work as quickly and safely as possible. For your safety and the safety of our employees, we ask that you do not approach our employees while they are performing this work. We request that you follow social distancing recommendations issued by the CDC.”
