The evaluation process, conducted in partnership with data firm Statista, analyzed 1,000 top-performing U.S. entities. Researchers weighed roughly 217,000 employee surveys against multi-year financial data and standardized sustainability reports. This ranking marks a significant milestone for the utility provider, which celebrates its 140th anniversary this year.

John Griffith, President and CEO of American Water, credited the company's focus on operational results and workplace culture for the achievement. Beyond this domestic ranking, the firm also secured a position on TIME’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies list for 2026. Currently, the organization provides services to approximately 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations, supported by a workforce of 7,000 professionals.