American Water acquires two utilities in California and New Jersey

Utility service provider American Water has acquired Dunnigan Water Works in California and Environmental Disposal Corporation (EDC) in New Jersey.

Dunnigan Water Works has been purchased for $2m by California American Water, with the deal approved by the California Public Utilities Commission in November 2015.

The transaction will add around 243 new service connections to the utility’s customer base in the Sacramento region.

California American Water manager for Northern California S Audie Foster said: "We are working hard on ensuring a seamless transition for Dunnigan residents.

"Dunnigan customers now have access to our customer service, online account access and conservation tools."

Financial details about the second acquisition in New Jersey have, however, not been disclosed.

EDC is an investor-owned wastewater utility serving more than 5,300 customers in Bedminster and Bernards Townships in the US state.

It also offers wastewater treatment services under long-term contracts to the Boroughs of Far Hills, Peapack, Gladstone and parts of Bedminster, adjacent to EDC’s service territory.

The transaction has been approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in December 2015.

American Water president and CEO Susan Story said: "Our operational and engineering expertise, familiarity with the service territory and dedication to customer service, as well as our commitment to make the necessary capital investments to meet or surpass state and federal standards, will ensure that these new customers will continue to receive exceptional wastewater service."

In addition, American Water Resources (AWR) and the City of Rialto Utility Authority (RUA) have developed a partnership to offer service line protection programmes to around 20,000 residents in the city of Rialto in California.

The services delivered under the protection programme will offer optional protection and assistance for water lines, sewer lines and also for in-home plumbing.

AWR president Malcolm Conner said: "Replacing these lines can cost thousands of dollars. RUA is offering their customers an affordable and convenient solution."