American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., will contribute its expertise to key discussions at the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners (MACRUC) Annual Education Conference, taking place June 22 through June 25, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Laura Runkle, President of Virginia and Maryland American Water, will speak as part of the panel discussion Surviving the Storm: Utilities’ Role in Preparing for and Responding to Extreme Weather, joining utility leaders and former utility regulators to address how utilities can build resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
“As extreme weather events become more frequent, the water industry must stay ahead through innovation, smart infrastructure investments and close collaboration with key stakeholders,” said Cheryl Norton, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, American Water. “Laura’s leadership at MACRUC reflects American Water’s commitment to building resilient systems and delivering essential services to our customers and communities every day, in the Mid-Atlantic and across the U.S.”
The panel will focus on strategies that utilities are implementing to strengthen infrastructure, improve preparedness and foster community partnerships to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. Runkle will share how American Water is working with regulators and local communities to help ensure safe, reliable service as well as resilient systems that can protect critical services during times of crisis.
“Resilience starts with practical actions like investing in infrastructure using data-driven risk assessment tools and strategies, planning for emergencies and engaging with the communities we serve,” said Runkle. “I am proud to share how American Water is turning these priorities into reality as we help prepare our systems and customers for the challenges of extreme weather.”
For more information about the 2025 MACRUC Annual Education Conference, visit: http://macruc.org/.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
As one of the fastest growing utilities in the U.S., American Water expects to invest $40 billion to $42 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years. The company has a long-standing history of executing its core operations, aligned with sustainable best practices, through its commitments to safety, affordability, customer service, protecting the environment, an inclusive workforce and strengthening communities.
American Water has been recognized as one of Forbes 2025 Most Trusted Companies in America, in addition to being ranked first in the utilities industry category on Forbes America’s Best Large Employers List for 2024; recognized on Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2025 List; ranked on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2024 List; and named one of America’s Most JUST companies by JUST Capital and CNBC for its continued commitment to employees, customers, communities and shareholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
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“As extreme weather events become more frequent, the water industry must stay ahead through innovation, smart infrastructure investments and close collaboration with key stakeholders,” said Cheryl Norton, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, American Water.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Alicia Barbieri
Director, Corporate Communications and External Affairs
American Water
(856) 676-8103
alicia.barbieri@amwater.com