Press Releases
Grant supports community-based monitoring, education, and prevention efforts to address harmful algal blooms in Central New Jersey waterways
CAMDEN, N.J. – AUG. 18, 2026 – The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and New Jersey American Water, in support of their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, are proud to recognize The Watershed Institute as a recipient of the Foundation’s 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program.
“Providing safe and reliable water is what we do, but giving back to the communities we serve is part of who we are,” said Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water. “Through the Foundation’s Water and Environment Grant Program, we're proud to invest in local organizations that protect our water resources, educate future stewards and strengthen communities across New Jersey."
The Watershed Institute was awarded funding to support Working with Community Members to Address the Threat of CyanoHABs, a project designed to build community capacity to identify, document and help prevent harmful cyanobacterial algal blooms (CyanoHABs) in the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed. Grant funding will enable the organization to purchase specialized monitoring equipment, including an AlgaeTorch, FluoroProbe and ioLight microscope, to enhance detection and analysis of chlorophyll, phycocyanin and phytoplankton communities. These tools will support water quality monitoring efforts conducted by approximately 55 volunteer community scientists operating at 80 monitoring locations through The Watershed Institute's longstanding StreamWatch program.
“This grant will support The Watershed Institute’s efforts to better understand and prevent harmful algal blooms that threaten local waterways,” said Jim Waltman, Executive Director of The Watershed Institute. “With this funding, the organization will purchase new tools to improve detection and monitoring, while expanding community outreach to increase awareness and encourage actions that help protect our water quality.”
In addition to expanded monitoring, The Watershed Institute will deliver educational presentations to elected officials, local government, environmental commissions and community members throughout the Stony Brook, Upper Millstone and Lower Millstone watersheds. The project aims to increase awareness of harmful algal blooms, their causes and mitigation strategies, while strengthening long-term watershed resilience. The initiative is expected to directly benefit approximately 300 people and indirectly reach as many as 3.5 million residents through community education, public outreach and regional partnerships.
The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. In 2026, the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded over $179,000 in Water and Environment grants to ten nonprofit organizations across New Jersey American Water’s service area.
"The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to support eligible nonprofit organizations making a meaningful impact across New Jersey," said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. "Funding for Water and Environment grants support projects focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability, and water-based recreation."
Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation, here.
Learn more about New Jersey American Water's community impact, here.
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 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 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. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
New Jersey American Water Media Contact:
Damarah Brown
Sr. External Affairs Specialist
New Jersey American Water
Damarah.Brown@amwater.com
American Water Charitable Foundation Media Contact: