Who Owns the American Water Company? - With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. American Water serves a broad national footprint and a strong has a strong local presence. Its size and scale greatly differentiates American Water from its competitors in terms of the type of solutions offered to communities. The Military Services Group manages 50-year contracts with the Department of Defense for the operation and maintenance of the water and wastewater systems on military bases. American Water currently owns, operates and maintains water and wastewater assets at 17 military installations across the United States. The company delivers more than one billion gallons of water daily.