Jim Waltman, Executive Director of The Watershed Institute
Innocent Joseph, Watershed Science Intern (Princeton Student)
Shaelynn O’Toole, Senior Source Water Protection Program Manager, American Water
Jiaxing Zhao (Sunny), Watershed Science Intern (Princeton Student)
Jian Smith, Watershed Science and Lab Manager
Pennington, NJ – June 11, 2026 – The Watershed Institute announced today that it was awarded an American Water Charitable Foundation 2026 Water and Environment grant, focusing on providing the tools needed to support an important expansion of The Watershed Institute’s work on harmful algal blooms (HABs).
“With this support, the organization can deepen research into when and where HABs occur, what conditions trigger them, and how they affect local waterways, wildlife, and public health,” said Jim Waltman, Executive Director of The Watershed Institute. “The grant is also strengthening education and outreach so that students, residents, and local decision-makers better understand the warning signs of HABs and the steps that can reduce nutrient pollution and runoff. By combining science and education, this partnership is helping communities respond more effectively to HABs today while building the knowledge and stewardship needed to prevent them in the future.”
The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program. The Foundation is a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., supporting high-impact projects and initiatives that further American Water’s commitment to the communities it serves.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to invest in organizations and programs that focus on clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability and water-based recreation,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “We take pride in furthering American Water’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor and trusted partner in the community.”
About The Watershed Institute
Founded in 1949, The Watershed Institute is committed to protecting and restoring water and the environment through a comprehensive program of conservation, advocacy, science, and education. Learn more about our work at www.thewatershed.org or by calling (609) 737-3735.
Bacterial Action Team (BACT) — Bacterial Action Team (BACT) | thewatershed.org
Report a HAB — Harmful Algal Blooms – NJ Watershed Watch Network
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 American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $20 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.
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