CAMDEN, N.J. – JULY 17, 2025 – New Jersey American Water President Mark McDonough joined a cohort of American Water state presidents and senior executives to meet with Members of Congress in Washington, D.C. this week. The group aimed to strengthen relationships with policymakers and discuss potential solutions to vital water and wastewater infrastructure needs across the nation.
Led by American Water President and Chief Executive Officer John Griffith and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Cheryl Norton, the engagements included representation from 11 states and more than 40 meetings with congressional offices. Key topics focused on policy issues that affect water utilities, investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, the future of clean water access, and other key legislative priorities.
“This Fly-In gave us a valuable opportunity to elevate the voices of our New Jersey customers and bring attention to the urgent need for continued investment in aging water and wastewater systems across the country,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. “We had productive conversations with policymakers about advancing sustainable solutions that strengthen critical infrastructure while keeping water service affordable. That’s important to us as a provider, but even more important to the customers and communities who depend on us every day.”
This year’s Fly-In underscored the need for significant investment in water infrastructure, especially given the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. The nation’s drinking water systems received a grade of “C-” and wastewater systems a grade of “D+,” highlighting the serious challenges facing U.S. water and wastewater utilities. American Water plans to invest $40–$42 billion over the next decade in infrastructure upgrades and repairs, including right here in New Jersey.
For more information about New Jersey American Water’s local initiatives, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com.
PHOTO ATTACHED.
New Jersey American Water leadership meets with U.S. Representative Herb Conaway, M.D. (NJ-3) From left to right: Louis Ruziecki, Government and Regulatory Affairs Specialist, American Water; Kim Schalek Downes, Vice President of Business Development, External Affairs and Government Affairs, New Jersey American Water; Mark McDonough, President, New Jersey American Water; U.S. Representative Herb Conaway, M.D. (NJ-3); David Mayer, Director of Government Affairs, New Jersey American Water; and Sakeema James, Manager of Government Affairs, New Jersey American Water. The meeting was part of a Washington, D.C. Fly-In focused on strengthening relationships with policymakers and discussing solutions to New Jersey’s and the nation’s most pressing water and wastewater infrastructure challenges.
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.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
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 2.9 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Chelsea Kulp
Director, Communications & External Affairs
New Jersey American Water
Chelsea.kulp@amwater.com
