California American Water Brings Environmental Expertise as Newest Powerhouse Science Center Founding Partner

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Powerhouse Science Center in Sacramento today announced that California American Water has joined the campaign to build the premier science learning center serving Northern California.

As a founding partner, California American Water joins other regional leaders and organizations in a cooperative effort to support the development of this vital new community asset, and will lend their environmental and resource expertise to the project.

Located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River, the Powerhouse Science Center will function as a model for 21st-century experiential STEM education (science, math, technology, engineering, space) and environmental stewardship. The design will be an exemplary “green” building that serves as an environmental teaching lab.

“We have invested millions of dollars in critical infrastructure to provide high quality reliable water service to our customers in the Sacramento region,” said California American Water Director of Operations Andrew Soule. “Becoming a founding partner of the Powerhouse Science Center is an investment in the education of our kids and the economic development of our community.”

California American Water joins the regional effort to create a home for a high-tech, hands-on science museum for the Greater Sacramento region that will immerse children in science, technology, engineering, and math. The Powerhouse Science Center will play a key role in inspiring young people to become the future engineers and scientists that California and our nation desperately need. One of the science center’s signature exhibitions, “Liquid Gold: Sustaining Our Watershed,” will focus on water resources, conservation, and environmental concerns.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome aboard California American Water as one of our founding partners,” said Michele Wong, Interim Executive Director for the Powerhouse Science Center. “California American Water shares our goal of transforming a historic Sacramento landmark into a cutting edge educational center, featuring a museum, planetarium, restaurant, and conference center. The Powerhouse Science Center is a tremendous collaborative effort between many dedicated groups and individuals that are all playing a significant role in making this vision of a premier science education center become a reality.”

Supporters of the Powerhouse Science Center include business and civic leaders, clubs and organizations, individuals, and the City of Sacramento. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson recognizes this project as a top priority for Sacramento’s future.

The facility will serve as a public forum, showcasing the latest scientific discoveries in a venue accessible to the entire family. The Center will highlight the scientific achievements of the Sacramento region, the latest developments in medical science and technology, and the fundamentals of resource conservation. It will also be a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12^th grade students from throughout the region.

The Center, which will cost an estimated $60 million, has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The 60-year old Discovery Museum Science & Space Center on Auburn Boulevard is scheduled to move from its current location and become the Powerhouse Science Center (www.powerhousesciencecenter.org) in 2014.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or contact Beth Callahan, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, at 916 853-0343.

About California American Water

California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 600,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.