American Water Works (AWK) 424B2Prospectus for primary offering

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
File Number 333-253484

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus dated February 25, 2021)

11,000,000 Shares

American Water Works Company, Inc.

Common Stock

American Water Works Company, Inc., which is referred to as American Water, is offering and selling an aggregate of 11,000,000 shares of American Water’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, in this offering.

American Water’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which is referred to as the NYSE, under the symbol “AWK.” On February 27, 2023, the closing price of American Water’s common stock on the NYSE was $139.78 per share.

Investing in American Water’s common stock involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-4 of this prospectus supplement to read about factors you should consider before buying American Water’s common stock.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission or other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The underwriters have been granted an option to purchase up to an additional 1,650,000 shares of common stock from American Water at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, for a period of 30 days following the date of this prospectus supplement.

The underwriters expect that the shares of American Water’s common stock will be delivered against payment on or about March 3, 2023.

Joint Book-Running Managers

Co-Managers

Prospectus Supplement dated February 28, 2023.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

All references in this prospectus supplement to “American Water” and the “Company” refer to American Water Works Company, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries taken together as a whole, except in the sections entitled “Where You Can Find More Information,” “Use of Proceeds,” “Description of American Water’s Capital Stock,” “Underwriting,” and “Legal Matters,” where such terms shall refer to American Water Works Company, Inc. and not to any of its subsidiaries, in each case, unless the context otherwise requires.

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering and certain other matters. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, gives more general information about American Water and its securities. Generally, the reference to “this prospectus,” is to both parts of this document combined. To the extent information in this prospectus supplement conflicts with information in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement.

American Water is not making an offer or sale of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this prospectus supplement or in the accompanying prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of those documents and any information incorporated by reference is only accurate as of the date of the document incorporated by reference. American Water’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since the date of such information.

“American Water” and its logos are trademarks of American Water Works Company, Inc. Other service marks, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

American Water files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is referred to as the SEC. These SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov and American Water’s website at https://www.amwater.com. The information contained on or accessible from American Water’s website does not constitute a part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference herein.

American Water has filed a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which is referred to as the Securities Act, with the SEC to register the securities offered by this prospectus supplement. This prospectus is a part of the registration statement, but does not contain all the information contained in the registration statement because certain parts of the registration statement are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. The registration statement and the documents filed as exhibits to the registration statement are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website and American Water’s website, each as described above.

American Water is “incorporating by reference” into this prospectus specific documents that it files with the SEC, which means that important information can be disclosed to you by referring you to those documents that are considered part of this prospectus. Information that American Water files subsequently with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. American Water incorporates by reference the documents listed below, and any future documents that it files with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which is referred to as the Exchange Act, until the offering of the securities covered by this prospectus has been completed or terminated.

American Water is “incorporating by reference” into this prospectus the following documents filed with the SEC (excluding any portions of such documents that have been “furnished” but not “filed” for purposes of the Exchange Act):

American Water will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request and without charge, a copy of the documents referred to above that have been incorporated in this prospectus by reference. You can request copies of such documents if you call or write American Water at the following address or telephone number: American Water Works Company, Inc., 1 Water Street, Camden, New Jersey, 08102-1658, Attention: General Counsel, (856) 955-4001.

This prospectus contains summaries of certain agreements that American Water has filed as exhibits to various SEC filings, as well as certain agreements that American Water will enter into in connection with this offering. The descriptions of these agreements contained in this prospectus or information incorporated by reference herein do not purport to be complete and are subject to, or qualified in their entirety by reference to, the definitive agreements. You can obtain copies of the definitive agreements without charge to you by making a written or oral request to American Water as described above.

American Water is only responsible for the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or contained in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of American Water. American Water has not authorized anyone to provide you with information

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other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or in the accompanying prospectus, and American Water takes no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you.

Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein, or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified and superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

American Water has made statements under “Risk Factors” and in other sections of this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words with prospective meanings such as “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “predict,” “project,” “propose,” “assume,” “forecast,” “likely,” “uncertain,” “outlook,” “future,” “pending,” “goal,” “objective,” “potential,” “continue,” “seek to,” “may,” “can,” “should,” “will” and “could” or the negative of such terms or other variations or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things: American Water’s future financial performance, liquidity and cash flows; the timing and amount of rate and revenue adjustments, including through general rate case filings, filings for infrastructure surcharges and other governmental agency authorizations and proceedings, and filings to address regulatory lag; American Water’s growth and portfolio optimization strategies, including the timing and outcome of pending or future acquisition activity; the ability of American Water’s California subsidiary to obtain adequate alternative water supplies in lieu of diversions from the Carmel River; the amount and allocation of projected capital expenditures and related funding requirements; American Water’s ability to repay or refinance debt; the future impacts of increased or increasing financing costs, inflation and interest rates; American Water��s ability to execute its current and long-term business, operational and capital expenditures strategies; American Water’s ability to finance current operations, capital expenditures and growth initiatives by accessing the debt and equity capital markets; the outcome and impact on American Water of governmental and regulatory proceedings and related potential fines, penalties and other sanctions; the ability to meet or exceed American Water’s stated environmental and sustainability goals, including its greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emission reduction, water delivery efficiency and water system resiliency goals; the ability to complete, and the timing and efficacy of, the design, development, implementation and improvement of technology and other strategic initiatives; the impacts to American Water of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; the ability to capitalize on existing or future utility privatization opportunities; trends in the water and wastewater industries in which American Water operates, including macro trends with respect to American Water’s efforts related to customer, technology and work execution; regulatory, legislative, tax policy or legal developments; and impacts that future significant tax legislation may have on American Water and on its business, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

Forward-looking statements are predictions based on American Water’s current expectations and assumptions regarding future events. They are not guarantees or assurances of any outcomes, financial results, levels of activity, performance or achievements, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon them. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. American Water’s actual results may vary materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements included in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and the following important factors:

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These forward-looking statements are qualified by, and should be read together with, the risks and uncertainties set forth above, and the risk factors discussed under “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-4 of this prospectus supplement and the risk factors and other statements contained in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus and investors should refer to such risks, uncertainties, risk factors and other statements in evaluating such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made by American Water speak only as of the date of such statements. Except as required by the federal securities laws, American Water does not have any obligation, and American Water specifically disclaims any undertaking or intention to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for American Water to predict all such factors. Furthermore, it may not be possible to assess the impact of any such factor on American Water’s businesses, either viewed independently or together, or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in American Water’s common stock involves risks. This prospectus does not describe all of these risks. You should carefully consider the risks described below and the risks described in Part I, Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” in American Water’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. American Water’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.

American Water’s management will have broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from this offering and might not apply such proceeds in ways that increase the value of your investment.

American Water intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay short-term commercial paper obligations of AWCC, and for general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” on page S-6 of this prospectus supplement. However, American Water’s management will have broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from this offering, and you will be relying on the judgment of management regarding the application of these proceeds. American Water’s management may not apply the net proceeds of this offering in ways that increase the value of your investment. The amounts and timing of American Water’s actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including the factors described under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, and in the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, as well as the amount of cash used in American Water’s business operations. American Water may find it necessary or advisable to use the net proceeds for other purposes, and management will have significant flexibility in applying the net proceeds from this offering.

American Water’s shareholders may experience dilution as a result of this offering and they may experience further dilution if American Water issues additional common stock in future offerings.

The issuance of any common stock by American Water to the underwriters will have a dilutive effect on American Water’s earnings per share. Any additional future issuances of American Water’s common stock will reduce the percentage of American Water’s common stock owned by investors purchasing shares in this offering who do not participate in future issuances. In most circumstances, as is the case here, shareholders will not be entitled to vote on whether or not American Water issues additional common stock. In addition, depending on the terms and pricing of an additional offering of American Water’s common stock, American Water’s shareholders may experience dilution in both the book value and fair value of their shares.

Future sales of American Water’s shares of common stock or preferred stock could adversely affect the market price of American Water’s common stock.

Future sales of substantial amounts of American Water common stock in the public market following this offering, whether by American Water or its existing shareholders, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect the market price of its common stock, which could decline significantly. Sales by American Water’s existing shareholders might also make it more difficult for American Water to raise equity capital by selling new common stock at a time and price that it deems appropriate. American Water may also raise capital by issuing shares of preferred stock that have super voting, special approval, dividend or other rights or preferences that are senior to its common stock. Shares of preferred stock may also be convertible into shares of American Water’s common stock, which may dilute the value of its common stock. American Water’s board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series, without shareholder approval. See “Description of American Water’s Capital Stock” beginning on page S-7 of this prospectus supplement.

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The price of American Water’s common stock may fluctuate significantly.

The market price of American Water’s common stock may fluctuate significantly. You may not be able to resell your shares at or above the offering price due to fluctuations in the market price of American Water’s common stock caused by changes in American Water’s operating performance or prospects and other factors, including broad market fluctuations. Some specific factors that may have a significant effect on the market price of American Water’s common stock, in addition to those set forth under “Forward-Looking Statements” in this prospectus supplement, include:

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USE OF PROCEEDS

American Water estimates that it will receive net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses, of approximately $1,467.4 million (or $1,687.7 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of common stock).

American Water currently intends to use the net proceeds from this offering:

On December 31, 2022, AWCC had $1,177 million in aggregate principal amount of commercial paper outstanding, with a weighted-average maturity of 13 days and a weighted-average interest rate of 4.41%.

This expected use of the net proceeds from this offering represents American Water’s intentions based upon American Water’s current plans and business conditions. The amounts and timing of any actual expenditures may vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including the factors described under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. American Water may find it necessary or advisable to use the net proceeds for other purposes, and American Water’s management will have significant flexibility in applying the net proceeds from this offering.

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DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN WATER’S CAPITAL STOCK

The following description of American Water’s common stock and preferred stock is not intended to be complete. For more information regarding American Water’s common stock and preferred stock, please refer to American Water’s restated certificate of incorporation, which is referred to below as American Water’s “certificate of incorporation,” and American Water’s amended and restated bylaws, which is referred to below as American Water’s “bylaws.” The certificate of incorporation and bylaws are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The terms of these securities also may be affected by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, which is referred to below as the DGCL.

General

American Water’s authorized capital stock consists of 500,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of February 23, 2023, there were 181,966,530 shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

Common Stock

Voting Rights

Other than with respect to director elections, except as otherwise required by law, all matters to be voted on by American Water’s shareholders must be approved by a majority of the shares present in person or proxy at such meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter. With respect to uncontested director elections, American Water’s bylaws require that in order to be elected, a director nominee must receive a majority of the votes cast (for this purpose, a majority of the votes cast means that the number of shares voted “for” a director nominee must exceed the number of votes cast “against” that nominee). For contested director elections where the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected, American Water’s bylaws require that the directors shall be elected by the vote of a plurality of the shares represented in person or by proxy at any such meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors.

Dividends

Holders of common stock will share equally in any dividend declared by American Water’s board of directors, subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding preferred stock.

Liquidation Rights

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of American Water’s affairs, holders of American Water’s common stock would be entitled, after payment of the liquidation preference to all holders of any outstanding preferred stock, to share ratably in American Water’s assets that are legally available for distribution to shareholders after payment of liabilities. American Water must pay the applicable distribution to any holders of its preferred stock before it may pay distributions to the holders of its common stock.

Other Rights

American Water’s shareholders have no preemptive or other rights to subscribe for additional shares.

Preferred Stock

American Water’s board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series, without shareholder approval. Subject to the limits imposed by the DGCL, the board of directors is authorized to fix for any series of preferred stock the number of shares of such series and the voting powers

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(if any), designation, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such series. American Water’s board of directors is also authorized to increase or decrease the number of shares of any series, but not below the number of shares of that series then outstanding, without any further vote or action by American Water’s shareholders.

American Water’s board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that affect adversely the voting power or other rights of American Water’s common shareholders. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control, causing the market price of a share of American Water’s common stock to decline, or impairing the voting and other rights of the holders of American Water’s common stock.

Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions of American Water’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, and the DGCL

The following provisions of American Water’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws could deter, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring American Water, even if doing so would benefit American Water’s shareholders.

Undesignated Preferred Stock

The ability to authorize undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for American Water’s board of directors to authorize the issuance of preferred stock with super voting, special approval, dividend or other rights or preferences on a discriminatory basis that could impede the success of any attempt to acquire American Water. These and other provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or discouraging hostile takeovers, or changes in control or management of American Water.

Requirements for Advance Notification of Shareholders Meetings, Nominations and Proposals

American Water’s bylaws provide that special meetings of shareholders may be called only upon the request of the majority of the members of American Water’s board of directors, upon request of American Water’s Board Chair, or by American Water’s Secretary upon request of shareholders holding at least 15% of American Water’s outstanding common stock. American Water’s bylaws prohibit the conduct of any business at a special meeting other than as specified in the notice for such meeting.

American Water’s bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to shareholder proposals for annual meetings and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of American Water’s board of directors or a committee of the board of directors. A shareholder who wishes to bring a matter before a meeting or submit candidates for nomination as directors must comply with American Water’s advance notice requirements and provide American Water with certain information and, if applicable under the bylaws, provide to American Water certain agreements and undertakings. Additionally, vacancies and newly created directorships may be filled only by a vote of a majority of the members of American Water’s board of directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, or by shareholders. These provisions may defer, delay or discourage a potential acquiror from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquiror’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of American Water.

Shareholder Action by Written Consent

As permitted by Section 228 of the DGCL, American Water’s certificate of incorporation states that any action required or permitted to be taken by American Water’s shareholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of American Water’s shareholders and may not be effected by consent in writing by such shareholders.

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Approval of Acquisition of Control by Public Utility Commission

A significant number of American Water’s regulated subsidiaries are subject to economic regulation by state public utility commissions. Some of these states have enacted laws that require regulatory approval for the acquisition of “control” of any regulated utility. In those states, obtaining “control” of the parent or any other company that controls a regulated utility also requires prior regulatory approval. The threshold for a change in control is a fact-specific inquiry that varies by state. For example, in some states, a presumption of control will arise when an acquiring party acquires more than 9.9% of the voting securities of the regulated utility or the controlling entity. In addition to ownership, other states may analyze the degree of influence or control an acquiror may exert over American Water. Any person acquiring American Water’s common stock in an offering or in any other purchase of American Water’s common stock in an amount sufficient to trigger a change in control under state law would need the prior approval of the applicable state public utility commission.

Certain Other Provisions of American Water’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and the DGCL

Board of Directors

American Water’s certificate of incorporation provides that the number of directors is fixed in the manner provided in American Water’s bylaws. American Water’s bylaws provide that the number of directors will be fixed from time to time by American Water’s board of directors.

Business Combinations under the DGCL

American Water is subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the time the shareholder became an “interested stockholder,” subject to certain exceptions, including if, prior to such time, the board of directors approved the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an “interested stockholder.” “Business combinations” include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the “interested stockholder.” Subject to various exceptions, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with his or her affiliates and associates, owns, or within the prior three years did own, 15% or more of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock. These restrictions generally prohibit or delay the accomplishment of mergers or other takeover or change-in-control attempts that are not approved by a company’s board of directors.

Limitations of Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

The DGCL authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors and officers of corporations and their shareholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties. American Water’s certificate of incorporation includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors (but not officers) for monetary damages for actions taken as a director to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL. The DGCL does not permit exculpation for liability:

American Water’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that American Water will indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law. American Water’s bylaws also expressly authorize American Water to carry directors’ and officers’ insurance providing indemnification for American Water’s directors, officers and certain employees and agents for certain liabilities.

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The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in American Water’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against American Water’s directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against American Water’s directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit American Water and its shareholders. In addition, your investment in American Water’s common stock may be adversely affected to the extent American Water pays the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers in accordance with these indemnification provisions.

Proxy Access

American Water’s bylaws permit an eligible shareholder or group of shareholders to include up to a specified number of director nominees in American Water’s proxy materials for an annual meeting of shareholders. To qualify, the shareholders (or group of up to 20 shareholders) must have continuously owned for at least three years 3% or more of American Water’s outstanding common stock. The maximum number of shareholder nominees permitted under this proxy access provision is the greater of (i) two or (ii) 20% of the total number of directors on American Water’s board of directors as of the last day on which a proxy access notice may be submitted, rounded down to the nearest whole number.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC serves as the registrar and transfer agent for American Water’s common stock.

New York Stock Exchange Listing

American Water’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “AWK.”

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CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS

The following discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of American Water’s common stock, and does not purport to be a complete analysis of all potential U.S. federal income tax considerations. This discussion only applies to shares of American Water’s common stock that are held as capital assets, within the meaning of section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and that are purchased in this offering by Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below). This summary is based on the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and regulations of the Treasury Department as of the date of this prospectus supplement, changes to any of which subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement may affect the tax consequences described herein. This discussion does not describe all of the U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to Non-U.S. Holders in light of their particular circumstances or to Non-U.S. Holders subject to special rules, such as certain financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, traders or dealers in securities or commodities, persons holding shares of American Water’s common stock as part of a hedge or other integrated transaction, accrual method taxpayers subject to special tax accounting rules as a result of their use of financial statements or certain former citizens or residents of the United States. This discussion does not address any U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. taxpayers who purchase shares of American Water’s common stock. Persons considering the purchase of shares of American Water’s common stock are urged to consult their tax advisors with regard to the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws to their particular situations as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction. Furthermore, this discussion does not describe the effect of U.S. federal estate and gift tax laws or the effect of any applicable foreign, state or local laws.

American Water has not and will not seek any rulings or opinions from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) with respect to the matters discussed below. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not take a different position concerning the tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of shares of its common stock or that any such position would not be sustained.

Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors with regard to the application of the U.S. federal income tax considerations discussed below to their particular situations as well as the application of any state, local, foreign or other tax laws, including gift and estate tax laws.

For purposes of this summary, a “Non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of shares of American Water’s common stock that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is not (i) an individual that is a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust if (A) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more United States persons (as defined in the Code) have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust, or (B) the trust has made an election under the applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

If a partnership, or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, holds shares of American Water’s common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in such a partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners in a partnership holding shares of American Water’s common stock should consult their tax advisor as to the particular U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of such shares of American Water’s common stock applicable to them.

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Distributions

In general, a distribution that American Water makes to a Non-U.S. Holder with respect to shares of its common stock will constitute a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid out of American Water’s current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under the Code. To the extent the amount of a distribution exceeds American Water’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess will constitute a return of capital and will first reduce the Non-U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in American Water’s common stock, but not below zero, and then will be treated as gain from the sale of American Water’s common stock (see “—Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock” below). Subject to the discussions below under “—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding” and “—Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act,” dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that are not effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States will generally be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividends (unless such dividend is eligible for a reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty). In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding, a Non-U.S. Holder is generally required to provide to the applicable withholding agent an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or a suitable substitute form) or other applicable certification properly certifying such Non-U.S. Holder’s eligibility for the reduced rate. Non-U.S. Holders that do not timely provide the applicable withholding agent with the required certification, but that qualify for a reduced withholding rate, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for a refund with the IRS. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under an applicable income tax treaty and the timing and manner of claiming the benefits.

Subject to the discussions below under “—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding” and “—Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act,” dividends that are effectively connected with a Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States and, if an applicable income tax treaty so requires, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States, are taxed on a net-income basis at the regular graduated rates and in the manner applicable to U.S. persons. The Non-U.S. Holder is generally required to provide to the applicable withholding agent a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI (or a suitable substitute form) in order to claim an exemption from, or reduction in, U.S. federal withholding. In addition, a “branch profits tax” may be imposed at a 30% rate (or a reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on a foreign corporation’s effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items.

Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock

Subject to the discussions below under “—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding” and “—Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act,” a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax with respect to gain, if any, recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of shares of American Water’s common stock. A Non-U.S. Holder will also generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to such gain, unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with the conduct by such Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business within the United States, and, if an applicable income tax treaty so requires, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder within the United States, (ii) in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a nonresident alien individual, such Non-U.S. Holder is present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are satisfied, or (iii) American Water’s common stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest by reason of American Water’s status as a U.S. real property holding corporation (a “USRPHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

In the case described in (i) above, gain or loss recognized on the disposition of shares of American Water’s common stock generally will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation in the same manner as if such gain or loss were recognized by a United States person, and, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation, may also be subject to the branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or a lower applicable treaty branch profits tax rate). In the case described in (ii) above, the Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to a 30% tax (or a lower

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applicable treaty rate) on any capital gain recognized on the disposition of shares of American Water’s common stock (after being offset by certain U.S.-source capital losses). In the case described in (iii) above, American Water has not determined whether it is a USRPHC; however, even if it is a USRPHC, so long as shares of its common stock continue to be regularly traded on an established securities market in the United States, within the meaning of applicable Treasury regulations, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the disposition of shares of American Water’s common stock if the Non-U.S. Holder has not held more than 5% (actually or constructively) of American Water’s total outstanding common stock at any time during the shorter of the five-year period preceding the date of disposition, or such Non-U.S. Holder’s holding period. If a Non-U.S. Holder exceeds the limits described in the last sentence with respect to common stock and American Water is a USRPHC, the Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular graduated rates applicable to U.S. persons upon its disposition at a gain. In such a case, a Non-U.S. Holder that exceeds such limits generally would also be subject to such tax with respect to any distribution on such common stock to the extent such distribution would not be treated as a dividend if such Non-U.S. Holder were a U.S. person. If a Non-U.S. Holder is subject to the tax described in the preceding sentences, the Non-U.S. Holder will be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return with the IRS.

Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of investing in shares of American Water’s common stock if American Water were to be treated as a USRPHC. Non-U.S. Holders should also consult their tax advisors regarding potentially applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Information returns will be filed annually with the IRS in connection with any dividends paid on American Water’s common stock to a Non-U.S. Holder. Copies of these information returns may also be made available under the provisions of a specific tax treaty or other agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides. Unless the Non-U.S. Holder complies with certification procedures to establish that it is not a United States person (by providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, or other applicable certification), information returns may be filed with the IRS in connection with the proceeds from a sale or other disposition, and the Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to backup withholding (currently at a rate of 24%) on dividends paid on American Water’s common stock or on the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of shares of American Water’s common stock. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder generally will be allowed as a credit against the Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the Non-U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

Under sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code and related IRS guidance (commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”)), a 30% U.S. withholding tax is imposed on dividends paid on American Water’s common stock and on gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition (including redemption) of shares of American Water’s common stock in each case if paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity” (each as defined in the Code) (including, in some cases, when such foreign financial institution or entity is acting as an intermediary), unless (i) in the case of a foreign financial institution, such institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations, (ii) in the case of a non-financial foreign entity, such entity either certifies that it does not have any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or provides the withholding agent with a certification identifying each direct and indirect substantial United States owner of the entity, or (iii) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules and provides appropriate documentation. Under proposed Treasury regulations promulgated by the Treasury Department on December 13, 2018, which state that taxpayers may rely on the proposed Treasury regulations until final Treasury regulations are issued, this withholding tax will not apply to the gross proceeds from the sale or disposition of shares of American Water’s common stock. If the

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payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements in (i) above, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain “specified United States persons” or “United States owned foreign entities” (each as defined in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts and withhold 30% on payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. Certain Non-U.S. Holders located in a jurisdiction with an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules. American Water will not be obligated to make any “gross up” or additional payments in respect of amounts withheld on shares of its common stock if American Water determines that it must so withhold in order to comply with FATCA in respect of the amounts described above. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding FATCA and whether it may be relevant to the ownership and disposition of shares of American Water’s common stock.

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UNDERWRITING

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus supplement between American Water and the underwriters named below, for whom BofA Securities, Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC are acting as representatives, American Water has agreed to sell to each of the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has severally agreed to purchase from American Water, the number of shares of American Water’s common stock shown opposite its name below:

The offering of the shares of American Water’s common stock by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part. The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters are obligated to purchase all of the shares of common stock in the offering if any are purchased.

The underwriters have advised American Water that they propose initially to offer the shares of American Water’s common stock in this offering at the price to public set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. If all of such shares of common stock are not sold at the price to public set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, the offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the underwriters.

Option to Purchase Additional Shares

American Water has granted the underwriters an option to purchase from American Water directly up to an additional 1,650,000 shares of common stock. The shares purchased under this option will be purchased at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. The underwriters may exercise this option at any time, in whole or in part, for a period of 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement. If any additional shares of American Water’s common stock are purchased, the underwriters will offer the additional shares on the same terms as those on which the shares are being offered.

If the underwriters exercise their option, each underwriter will be obligated, subject to the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional shares of common stock in approximately the same proportion as shown in the table above.

Discount

The underwriting discount is equal to the public offering price per share of common stock less the amount paid by the underwriters to American Water per share of common stock. The following table shows the per share

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and total underwriting discount to be paid to the underwriters assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.

Expenses and Indemnification

American Water estimates that the total expenses of the offering, including registration, listing and printing fees and legal and accounting expenses but excluding the underwriting discount, will be approximately $700,000.

American Water has agreed to indemnify the underwriters against liabilities relating to this offering, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in that respect.

Conflicts of Interest

Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may hold a portion of the commercial paper of AWCC that may be repaid using the net proceeds from this offering. In such event, it is possible that one or more of the underwriters or their affiliates could receive at least 5% of the net proceeds from the offering and, in that case, such underwriter would be deemed to have a conflict of interest under FINRA Rule 5121. In the event of any such conflict of interest, such underwriter would be required to conduct the distribution of the common stock in accordance with FINRA Rule 5121. If the distribution is conducted in accordance with FINRA Rule 5121, such underwriter would not be permitted to confirm a sale to an account over which it exercises discretionary authority without first receiving specific written approval from the account holder.

Price Stabilization and Short Positions

Until the distribution of the shares of common stock is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing American Water’s common stock. However, the representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the common stock, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell American Water’s common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the option granted to them. “Naked” short sales are sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of American Water’s common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of shares of American Water’s common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

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Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters’ purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of American Water’s common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of American Water’s common stock. As a result, the price of American Water’s common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

Neither American Water nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of American Water’s common stock. In addition, neither American Water nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the representatives of the underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Lock-Up Agreement

American Water has agreed that, subject to certain limited exceptions, without the prior written consent of the representatives of the underwriters, American Water will not directly or indirectly during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending 90 days after the date hereof (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with, or submit to, the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, disposition, submission or filing or (2) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the common stock or any such other securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.

Furthermore, American Water’s directors and executive officers have agreed that, subject to certain limited exceptions, without the prior written consent of the representatives of the underwriters, they will not, directly or indirectly, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending 60 days after the date hereof (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge or disposition, (2) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the common stock or such other securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or (3) make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any shares of common stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock.

The representatives of the underwriters, in their sole discretion, may release the common stock and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above in whole or in part at any time with or without notice. When determining whether or not to release the common stock and other securities from lock-up agreements, the representatives of the underwriters will consider, among other factors, the holder’s reasons for requesting the release, the number of shares or other securities for which the release is being requested and market conditions at the time.

NYSE Symbol

American Water’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “AWK.”

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Selling Restrictions

No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the United States) that would permit a public offering of the shares of American Water’s common stock, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus or any other material relating to American Water or the shares of its common stock in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the shares of American Water’s common stock may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and neither this prospectus nor any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the shares of the common stock may be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction except in compliance with any applicable rules and regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.

Australia

No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”), in relation to the offering. This prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001 (the “Corporations Act”), and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.

Any offer in Australia of the shares of American Water’s common stock may only be made to persons (the “Exempt Investors”) who are “sophisticated investors” (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), “professional investors” (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

The shares of common stock applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.

Canada

The shares of American Water’s common stock may be sold in Canada only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the shares of common stock must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

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Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (“NI 33-105”), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

European Economic Area

Prohibition of Sales to European Economic Area Retail Investors

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area (each a “Relevant State”), no shares of American Water’s common stock have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offering to the public in that Relevant State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares of common stock which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation, except that the shares of common stock may be offered to the public in that Relevant State at any time: (a) to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under Article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation; (b) to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under Article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriters for any such offer; or (c) in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation, provided that no such offer of the shares of common stock shall require American Water or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation. For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to the shares of common stock in any Relevant State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares of common stock to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any shares of common stock, and the expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.

United Kingdom

Prohibition of Sales to UK Retail Investors

No shares of American Water’s common stock have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offering to the public in the United Kingdom (“UK”) prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares of common stock which has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority, except that the shares of common stock may be offered to the public in the UK at any time: (a) to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation; (b) to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriters for any such offer; or (c) in any other circumstances falling within Section 86 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”) provided that no such offer of the shares of common stock shall require American Water or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Section 85 of the FSMA or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the UK Prospectus Regulation. For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to the shares of common stock in the UK means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares of common stock to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any shares of common stock and the expression “UK Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

Other Regulatory Restrictions

In the UK, this offering document is only being distributed to and is only directed at persons (i) who fall within Article 19(5) (“investment professionals”) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 as amended (the “Financial Promotion Order”) or (ii) who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (“high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.”) of the Financial Promotion Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”).

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In the UK, any investment or investment activity to which this offering document relates, including the shares of common stock, is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. In the UK, this offering document must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons.

Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:

Hong Kong

The shares of American Water’s common stock have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares of common stock has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares of common stock which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.

Japan

The shares of American Water’s common stock have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, “Japanese Person” shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.

Singapore

This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, the shares of American Water’s common stock were not offered or sold or caused to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and will not be offered or sold or caused to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, and this prospectus or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares of common stock, has not been circulated or distributed, nor will it be circulated or distributed, whether directly or indirectly, to any person in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289) of Singapore, as modified or amended from time to time (the “SFA”)) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

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Where the shares of common stock are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:

securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each term as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares of common stock pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:

Switzerland

The shares of American Water’s common stock may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (“SIX”) or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, American Water, or the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (“FINMA”), and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (“CISA”). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.

Taiwan

The shares of American Water’s common stock have not been, and will not be, registered with the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan, the Republic of China (“Taiwan”) pursuant to applicable securities laws and regulations. No person or entity in Taiwan is authorized to distribute or otherwise intermediate the offering of the shares of common stock or the provision of information relating to the offering of the common stock, including, but not limited to, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The shares of common stock may be made available for purchase outside Taiwan by investors residing in Taiwan (either directly or through properly licensed Taiwan intermediaries acting on behalf of such investors), but may not be issued, offered or sold in Taiwan.

Dubai Financial Centre

This prospectus supplement relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”). This prospectus supplement is intended for distribution only

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to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus supplement nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus supplement. The shares of common stock to which this prospectus supplement relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus supplement, you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

Certain Relationships

The underwriters and their affiliates have engaged, and may in the future engage, in transactions with, and from time to time have performed services for American Water and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business, for which they have received and will receive customary compensation. Affiliates of certain of the underwriters are also lenders under AWCC’s revolving credit facility and dealers under its commercial paper program.

In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve American Water securities and/or instruments or the securities and/or instruments of its affiliates. If any of the underwriters or their affiliates have a lending relationship with American Water or its affiliates, certain of those underwriters or their affiliates routinely hedge, and certain other of those underwriters may hedge, their credit exposure to American Water or its affiliates consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, these underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in American Water’s securities or the securities of its affiliates, including potentially its common stock. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of its common stock. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

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LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection with this offering, including the validity of the common stock, will be passed upon for American Water by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for American Water by Jeffrey M. Taylor, American Water’s Vice President, Chief SEC Counsel and Secretary. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, New York, New York, has acted as counsel for the underwriters. As of February 23, 2023, Mr. Taylor owned 1,686 shares of American Water’s common stock, 1,973 unvested performance stock units (at target) and 603 unvested restricted stock units.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference to American Water Works Company, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

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American Water Works Company, Inc.

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Support Agreement

Depositary Shares

Stock Purchase Contracts

Stock Purchase Units

Subscription Rights

Warrants

American Water Capital Corp.

Debt Securities

The securities covered by this prospectus may be sold by American Water Works Company, Inc., or American Water, from time to time, independently or together with American Water Capital Corp., or AWCC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Water Works Company, Inc. Any debt securities issued by AWCC will have the benefit of a support agreement from American Water. In addition, selling security holders who may be named in a prospectus supplement may offer and sell from time to time securities in such amounts as set forth in such prospectus supplement. We may, and any selling security holder may, offer the securities independently or together in any combination for sale directly to purchasers or through underwriters, dealers or agents to be designated at a future date. We may, and any selling security holder may, offer and sell these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of the offering. Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by any selling security holders.

When we offer securities, a prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the specific issue of securities. Prospectus supplements may also add, update or change the information in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus and the prospectus supplement relating to the specific issue of securities, together with the documents incorporated by reference, before you decide to invest in any of these securities.

American Water Works Company, Inc. common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AWK.” The mailing address of our principal executive offices is 1 Water Street, Camden, New Jersey 08102-1658, and the telephone number is (856) 955-4001.

Investing in these securities involves certain risks. See “Risk Factors” on page i of this prospectus. You should carefully review the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in this prospectus and any risk factors set forth in each applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in the other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The securities may be offered and sold to or through underwriters, dealers, agents or other third parties as designated from time to time, or directly to one or more other purchasers or through a combination of such methods on a continuous or delayed basis. See “Plan of Distribution” on page 31. If any underwriters, dealers or agents are involved in the sale of any of the securities, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangements between or among them, will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The date of this prospectus is February 25, 2021.

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves risk. Before you invest in securities issued by us, you should carefully consider the risks involved. Accordingly, you should carefully consider:

The discussion of risks related to our business contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus or into any prospectus supplement comprises material risks of which American Water or AWCC is aware. If any of the events or developments described actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer.

You should also be aware that new risks may emerge in the future at any time, and we cannot predict such risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. The prospectus supplement applicable to each type or series of securities we offer may contain a discussion of additional risks applicable to an investment in us and the particular type of securities we are offering under that prospectus supplement.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that American Water and AWCC filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we, or certain of our security holders, may sell the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings from time to time. Each time we, or, under certain circumstances, certain of our security holders, sell securities under this shelf registration, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering. The prospectus supplement may also add to, modify or supersede the information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement together with the additional information referred to under “Where You Can Find More Information.” If there is any inconsistency between the information in the prospectus and the prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

The prospectus supplement will describe: the terms of the securities offered, any initial public offering price, any price paid to us for the securities, the net proceeds to us, if any, the manner of distribution and any underwriting compensation and the other specific material terms related to the offering of the applicable securities. For more detail on the terms of the securities, you should read the exhibits filed with or incorporated by reference in our registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

The term “American Water” refers to American Water Works Company, Inc. The term “AWCC” refers to American Water Capital Corp. All references in this prospectus to “we,” “our” and “us” generally refer to:

References to “securities” include any security that we or our security holders might sell under this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.

This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein. Please refer to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the actual documents. Copies of the documents referred to herein have been filed, or will be filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any related free writing prospectus filed by us with the SEC. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. The distribution of this prospectus and sale of these securities in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. You should inform yourself about and observe any such restrictions. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus only and any information we have incorporated by reference is only accurate as of the date of the document incorporated by reference. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus and any prospectus supplement, the documents incorporated by reference or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of us may include statements that reflect current views with respect to future events. These statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which is referred to as the “Securities Act,” Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which is referred to as the “Exchange Act,” and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words with prospective meanings such as “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “predict,” “project,” “propose,” “assume,” “forecast,” “likely,” “uncertain,” “outlook,” “future,” “pending,” “goal,” “objective,” “potential,” “continue,” “seek to,” “may,” “can,” “should,” “will” and “could” or the negative of such terms or other variations or similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements are predictions based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding future events. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements are qualified by, and should be read together with, the risk factors and other cautionary statements contained in American Water’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and its other filings with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should refer to such risks, uncertainties and risk factors in evaluating such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements we make speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained. Except as required by the federal securities laws, we do not have any obligation, and we specifically disclaim any undertaking or intention, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such factors. Furthermore, it may not be possible to assess the impact of any such factor on our businesses, either viewed independently or together, or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

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AMERICAN WATER WORKS COMPANY, INC.

We are the largest and most geographically diverse, publicly-traded water and wastewater utility company in the United States, as measured by both operating revenues and population served. As a holding company, American Water conducts substantially all of its business operations through its subsidiaries. We employ approximately 7,000 employees to provide an estimated 15 million people with drinking water, wastewater and other water-related services in 46 states.

American Water conducts the majority of its business through its Regulated Businesses reportable segment, which includes the ownership of utilities that are generally subject to regulation and that provide water and wastewater services. American Water also operates businesses that provide a broad range of related water and wastewater services in non-regulated markets that individually do not meet the criteria of a reportable segment in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, which are collectively referred to in this prospectus as its Market-Based Businesses.

American Water’s principal executive offices are located at 1 Water Street, Camden, New Jersey 08102-1658 and its telephone number is (856) 955-4001.

AMERICAN WATER CAPITAL CORP.

American Water’s financing activities include, among other things, the issuance of long-term and short-term debt, primarily through AWCC, its wholly owned finance subsidiary. AWCC has no significant assets or operations other than as associated with these financing activities. AWCC loans all of the net proceeds of its long-term debt financings to American Water’s operating subsidiaries in its Regulated Businesses segment, as well as to American Water. AWCC also provides liquidity to the Regulated Businesses segment and American Water through AWCC’s revolving credit facility and commercial paper program. AWCC may also perform other ancillary services directly related to these financing activities, including cash management activities and hedging of interest-rate and other market risk exposures associated with its indebtedness. The proceeds of all of AWCC’s long-term debt have been loaned to subsidiaries in American Water’s Regulated Businesses segment, which debt is evidenced by promissory notes issued to AWCC by such subsidiaries or American Water, as applicable.

AWCC’s principal executive offices are located at 1 Water Street, Camden, New Jersey 08102-1658 and its telephone number is (856) 955-4001.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, the net proceeds from the sale of AWCC debt securities will be used to repay certain of AWCC’s outstanding indebtedness or loaned to American Water and/or the subsidiaries in its Regulated Businesses segment, and American Water and/or such subsidiaries may use the proceeds of such loans, and American Water may use the net proceeds from the sale of securities issued by American Water, for the following purposes:

Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from any sales of securities by any selling security holder who may be named in a prospectus supplement.

SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS

We may register securities covered by this prospectus for re-offer and resale by any selling security holder who may be named in a prospectus supplement. We may add secondary sales of securities by any selling security holder by filing a prospectus supplement with the SEC. We may register these securities to permit selling security holders to resell their securities when they deem appropriate. A selling security holder may resell all, a portion or none of their securities at any time and from time to time. We may register reoffers and resales of those securities through an underwriter or other plan of distribution as set forth in a prospectus supplement. See “Plan of Distribution.”

Selling security holders may also sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of some or all of their securities in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. We may pay all expenses incurred with respect to the registration of the securities owned by the selling security holders, other than underwriting fees, discounts or commissions, which will be borne by the selling security holders. A prospectus supplement may name the selling security holders and specify the amount of securities to be registered and sold and any other terms of the securities that may be sold by a selling security holder. The applicable prospectus supplement will also disclose whether any of the selling security holders has held any position or office with, has been employed by or otherwise has had a material relationship with us during the three years prior to the date of the applicable prospectus supplement.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following description of American Water’s common stock and preferred stock is not intended to be complete. For more information regarding the common stock and preferred stock that may be offered by this prospectus, please refer to American Water’s restated certificate of incorporation, which is referred to below as American Water’s “certificate of incorporation,” and American Water’s amended and restated bylaws, which is referred to below as American Water’s “bylaws.” The certificate of incorporation and bylaws are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The terms of these securities also may be affected by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, is referred to below as the DGCL.

General

American Water’s authorized capital stock consists of 500,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of February 19, 2021, there were 181,439,255 shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

Common Stock

Voting Rights

Other than with respect to director elections, except as otherwise required by law, all matters to be voted on by American Water’s shareholders must be approved by a majority of the shares present in person or proxy at such meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter. With respect to uncontested director elections, American Water’s bylaws require that in order to be elected, a director nominee must receive a majority of the votes cast (for this purpose, a majority of the votes cast means that the number of shares voted “for” a director nominee must exceed the number of votes cast “against” that nominee). For contested director elections where the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected, American Water’s bylaws require that the directors shall be elected by the vote of a plurality of the shares represented in person or by proxy at any such meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors.

Dividends

Holders of common stock will share equally in any dividend declared by American Water’s board of directors, subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding preferred stock.

Liquidation Rights

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of American Water’s affairs, holders of American Water’s common stock would be entitled, after payment of the liquidation preference to all holders of any outstanding preferred stock, to share ratably in American Water’s assets that are legally available for distribution to shareholders after payment of liabilities. American Water must pay the applicable distribution to any holders of its preferred stock before it may pay distributions to the holders of its common stock.

Other Rights

American Water’s shareholders have no preemptive or other rights to subscribe for additional shares.

Preferred Stock

American Water’s board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series, without shareholder approval. Subject to the limits imposed by the DGCL, the board of directors

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is authorized to fix for any series of preferred stock the number of shares of such series and the voting powers (if any), designation, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such series. American Water’s board of directors is also authorized to increase or decrease the number of shares of any series, but not below the number of shares of that series then outstanding, without any further vote or action by American Water’s shareholders.

American Water’s board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that affect adversely the voting power or other rights of American Water’s common shareholders. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control, causing the market price of American Water’s common stock to decline, or impairing the voting and other rights of the holders of American Water’s common stock. Any restriction on the repurchase or redemption of shares of preferred stock while dividends on such shares are in arrears shall be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement together with the additional information referred to under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

For any series of preferred stock that American Water may issue, American Water’s board of directors will determine and the prospectus supplement relating to such series will describe:

Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions of American Water’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, and the DGCL

The following provisions of American Water’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws could deter, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring American Water, even if doing so would benefit American Water’s shareholders.

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Undesignated Preferred Stock

The ability to authorize undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for American Water’s board of directors to authorize the issuance of preferred stock with super voting, special approval, dividend or other rights or preferences on a discriminatory basis that could impede the success of any attempt to acquire American Water. These and other provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or discouraging hostile takeovers, or changes in control or management of American Water.

Requirements for Advance Notification of Shareholder Meetings, Nominations and Proposals

American Water’s bylaws provide that special meetings of shareholders may be called only upon the request of the majority of the members of American Water’s board of directors, upon request of the Chairman of American Water’s board of directors, or by American Water’s Secretary upon request of shareholders holding at least 15% of American Water’s outstanding common stock. American Water’s bylaws prohibit the conduct of any business at a special meeting other than as specified in the notice for such meeting.

American Water’s bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to shareholder proposals for annual meetings and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of American Water’s board of directors or a committee of the board of directors. A shareholder who wishes to bring a matter before a meeting must comply with American Water’s advance notice requirements and provide American Water with certain information. Additionally, vacancies and newly created directorships may be filled only by a vote of a majority of the members of American Water’s board of directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, or by shareholders. These provisions may defer, delay or discourage a potential acquiror from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquiror’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of American Water.

Shareholder Action by Written Consent

As permitted by Section 228 of the DGCL, American Water’s certificate of incorporation states that any action required or permitted to be taken by American Water’s shareholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of American Water’s shareholders and may not be effected by consent in writing by such shareholders.

Acquisitions of Control of a Regulated Public Utility

A significant number of the subsidiaries in our Regulated Businesses segment are subject to economic regulation by state public utility commissions. Some of these states have enacted laws that require regulatory approval for the acquisition of “control” of any regulated utility. In those states, obtaining “control” of the parent or any other company that controls a regulated utility also requires prior regulatory approval. The threshold for a change in control is a fact-specific inquiry that varies by state. For example, in some states, a presumption of control will arise when an acquiring party acquires more than 9.9% of the voting securities of the regulated utility or the controlling entity. In addition to ownership, other states may analyze the degree of influence or control an acquiror may exert over the company. Any person acquiring American Water’s common stock in an offering or in any other purchase of American Water’s common stock in an amount sufficient to trigger a change in control under state law would need to obtain the prior approval of the applicable state public utility commission.

Certain Other Provisions of American Water’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and the DGCL

Board of Directors

American Water’s certificate of incorporation provides that the number of directors is fixed in the manner provided in American Water’s bylaws. American Water’s bylaws provide that the number of directors will be fixed from time to time by American Water’s board of directors.

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Business Combinations Under the DGCL

American Water is subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the time a shareholder became an interested stockholder, subject to certain exceptions, including if, prior to such time, the board of directors approved the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested stockholder. “Business combinations” include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the “interested stockholder.” Subject to various exceptions, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with his or her affiliates and associates, owns, or within the prior three years did own, 15% or more of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock. These restrictions generally prohibit or delay the accomplishment of mergers or other takeover or change-in-control attempts that are not approved by a company’s board of directors.

Limitations of Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

The DGCL authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their shareholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties. American Water’s certificate of incorporation includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions taken as a director to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL. The DGCL does not permit exculpation for liability:

American Water’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that it will indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law. American Water’s bylaws also expressly authorize American Water to carry directors’ and officers’ insurance providing indemnification for American Water’s directors, officers and certain employees and agents for certain liabilities.

The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in American Water’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit American Water and its shareholders. In addition, your investment may be adversely affected to the extent American Water pays the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers in accordance with these indemnification provisions.

Proxy Access

American Water’s bylaws permit an eligible shareholder or group of shareholders to include up to a specified number of director nominees in American Water’s proxy materials for an annual meeting of shareholders. To qualify, the shareholders (or group of up to 20 shareholders) must have continuously owned for at least three years 3% or more of American Water’s outstanding common stock. The maximum number of shareholder nominees permitted under this proxy access provision is the greater of (i) two or (ii) 20% of the total number of directors on American Water’s board of directors as of the last day on which a proxy access notice may be submitted, rounded down to the nearest whole number.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC serves as the registrar and transfer agent for American Water’s common stock.

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New York Stock Exchange Symbol

American Water’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “AWK.”

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DESCRIPTION OF AWCC DEBT SECURITIES AND AMERICAN WATER SUPPORT AGREEMENT

The following description of the terms of the debt securities sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities. Accordingly, for a description of the terms of a particular issue of debt securities, reference must be made to both the prospectus supplement relating thereto and to the following description.

AWCC may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series. The debt securities will be general obligations of AWCC. Any debt securities issued by AWCC will have the benefit of a support agreement from American Water. In the event that any series of debt securities will be subordinated to other indebtedness that AWCC has outstanding or may incur, the terms of the subordination will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subordinated debt securities. Each series of debt securities offered by this prospectus will be issued under an indenture dated as of December 4, 2009, between AWCC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time. The indenture and the form of supplemental indenture or other instrument establishing the debt securities of a particular series are filed as exhibits to, or will be subsequently incorporated by reference into, the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. There is no requirement under the indenture that future issuances of AWCC’s debt securities be issued exclusively under the indenture, and we will be free to employ other indentures or documentation, containing provisions different from those included in the indenture or applicable to one or more issuances of debt securities in connection with future issuances of other debt securities.

The following discussion of certain provisions of the indenture is a summary only and should not be considered a complete description of the terms and provisions of the indenture. Accordingly, the following discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the indenture, including the definition of certain terms used below.

General

The debt securities represent direct, unsecured, general obligations of AWCC and:

The aggregate principal amount of debt securities that AWCC may authenticate and deliver under the indenture is unlimited. The debt securities may be issued in one or more series as may be authorized from time to time. We will include some or all of the following information about a particular series of debt securities in a prospectus supplement relating to that particular series of debt securities:

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All debt securities of one series need not be issued at the same time, and a series may be re-opened for issuances of additional debt securities of such series. This means that AWCC may from time to time, without notice to, or the consent of any existing holders of the previously-issued debt securities of a particular series, create and issue additional debt securities of such series. Such additional debt securities will have the same terms as the previously-issued debt securities of such series in all respects except for the issue date and, if applicable, the initial interest payment date. The additional debt securities will be consolidated and form a single series with the previously-issued debt securities of such series.

Support Agreement

AWCC’s indebtedness (including debt securities) has the benefit of the support agreement. The support agreement, which, under the circumstances described below, is the functional equivalent of a guarantee, provides, among other things, that:

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No amendment to the support agreement that adversely affects the rights of any lender (including any holder of debt securities) and no termination of the support agreement will be effective until such time as all indebtedness of AWCC shall have been irrevocably paid in full and all commitments for indebtedness have been terminated, unless the lenders (including holders of debt securities or the trustee acting on behalf of debt security holders) holding all of the aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding and (to the extent not outstanding) committed to consent in writing thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, any amendment to the support agreement for the purposes of (i) increasing the minimum net worth as provided in the support agreement, (ii) establishing or increasing a minimum interest coverage ratio, (iii) establishing or reducing a maximum amount of debt leverage, (iv) increasing the aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding whose holders are required to consent to the termination or amendment of the support agreement, or (v) any combination of clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) of this sentence, shall be effective without the consent of any lender (including any holder of debt securities or trustee acting on behalf of such holder). In addition, nothing in the prior two sentences shall derogate from, or override, any provision in an instrument, indenture, agreement or other document pursuant to which indebtedness is or will be issued that requires the written consent of the holders of a specified amount or percentage of that indebtedness to consent to an amendment or termination of the support agreement.

Certain Covenants

Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement for a particular series of debt securities, the indenture, as supplemented for a particular series of debt securities, will contain the following covenants for the benefit of the holders of such series of debt securities, which will be applicable (unless waived or amended) so long as any of the debt securities of such series are outstanding:

Restrictions on Liens

AWCC will not, and will not allow American Water, as the support provider, or any of its subsidiaries, as defined below, to, create, incur, issue or assume any liens, as defined below, on American Water’s or its subsidiaries’ respective property to secure debt, as defined below, where the debt secured by those liens would exceed an amount equal to 15% of our consolidated tangible total assets, as defined below (calculated to exclude debt secured by permitted liens). This restriction does not apply to the following permitted liens:

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“Debt” means, for any person (without duplication), all (i) indebtedness for borrowed money, (ii) obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (iii) obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of property or service (other than trade payables not overdue by more than 90 days incurred in the ordinary course of business and long term water purchase contracts), (iv) obligations under capital leases, (v) indebtedness of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) above secured by (or for which the holder of such indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by), any lien or encumbrance on, or security interest in, property (including, without limitation, accounts and contract rights) owned by such person, even though such person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness, and (vi) all obligations of such person for indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) above under direct or indirect guarantees, excluding, in all cases,

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(i) advances for construction and contributions in aid of construction as set forth on the consolidated balance sheet of American Water and its subsidiaries, (ii) reimbursement obligations (contingent or otherwise) in respect of outstanding letters of credit and (iii) attributable debt in respect of sale and leaseback transactions, as defined below.

“Lien” means any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or other encumbrance, or any interest or title of any vendor, lessor, lender or other secured party to or of such person under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or capital lease, upon or with respect to any property or asset of such person.

“Subsidiary” means a corporation more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by American Water or by one or more other subsidiaries, or by American Water and one or more other subsidiaries.

Restrictions on Sales and Leasebacks

AWCC will not, and will not allow American Water or any of its subsidiaries to, enter into any sale and leaseback transaction without effectively providing that the debt securities will be secured equally and ratably with or prior to the sale and leaseback transaction, unless:

A “sale and leaseback transaction” is an arrangement between AWCC, American Water or any of its subsidiaries and a bank, insurance company or other lender or investor where AWCC, American Water or any of its subsidiaries leases property for an initial term of three years or more that was or will be sold by AWCC, American Water, or such subsidiary to that lender or investor for a sale price of $1 million or its equivalent or more.

“Attributable debt” means the lesser of (1) the fair market value of the asset subject to the sale and leaseback transaction and (2) the present value, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (discounted at a rate equal to the rate of interest implicit in such transaction), of the obligations of the lessee for the net rental payments (excluding amounts on account of maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments and similar charges and contingent rents) during the term of the lease.

“Consolidated tangible total assets” means, as at any applicable time of determination, consolidated total assets less, without duplication, all intangible assets such as goodwill, trademarks, trade names, patents and unamortized debt discount and expense carried as an asset, in each case as set forth in American Water’s most recent consolidated balance sheet.

“Consolidated total assets” means, as at any applicable time of determination, the consolidated total assets of American Water and its subsidiaries as set forth in American Water’s most recent consolidated financial statements.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

Neither AWCC nor American Water will consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:

(i) the successor formed by a consolidation or the survivor of a merger or the person that acquires by conveyance, transfer or lease all or substantially all of the assets of AWCC or American Water as an

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entirety, as the case may be, is a person organized and existing under the laws of the United States or any State thereof (including the District of Columbia), and expressly assumes, in the case of AWCC, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on all the debt securities and the performance or observance of every covenant of the indenture on the part of AWCC to be performed or observed, and, in the case of American Water, all the obligations under the support agreement to be performed or observed, and such person shall have caused to be delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel to the effect that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease complies with this covenant; and

(ii) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default, has occurred and is continuing.

Upon any consolidation by AWCC or American Water with or merger by AWCC or American Water into any other person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of either AWCC’s or American Water’s properties and assets substantially as an entirety in accordance with this covenant, the successor person formed by such consolidation or into which it is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, AWCC or American Water, as applicable, under the indenture and the support agreement with the same effect as if such successor person had been named as AWCC or American Water, as applicable, therein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor person will be relieved of all obligations and covenants, in the case of AWCC under the indenture, the debt securities and, in the case of American Water, under the support agreement.

Support Agreement

American Water may not (a) cancel or terminate the support agreement or (b) amend or otherwise modify the terms of the support agreement, except in accordance with the support agreement. See “Support Agreement.”

Subordination

A series of debt securities may be subordinated, which are referred to as “subordinated debt securities,” to senior indebtedness (as would be defined in the applicable prospectus supplement) to the extent set forth in the prospectus supplement relating thereto. To the extent American Water conducts its operations through subsidiaries, the holders of debt securities (whether or not subordinated debt securities) will be structurally subordinated to the creditors of American Water’s subsidiaries with respect to American Water’s obligations under the support agreement, except to the extent such subsidiary is a guarantor of such series of debt securities.

Events of Default

Each of the following constitutes an event of default under the indenture with respect to any series of debt securities:

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Any addition to or changes in the foregoing events of default may be described in the prospectus supplement for a particular series of debt securities.

In the case of an event of default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, with respect to AWCC or American Water, all outstanding debt securities of such series will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series may declare the principal amount of all the securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. After any such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration is obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration and waive such event of default if all events of default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal have been cured or waived as provided for in the indenture.

Holders of debt securities of a series may not enforce the indenture or such debt securities except as provided in the indenture. Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of a series may direct the trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The trustee may withhold from holders of a series of debt securities notice of any continuing default if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest, except a default relating to the payment of principal or interest.

Subject to the provisions of the indenture relating to the duties of the trustee, in case an event of default shall occur and be continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of a series of debt securities, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity or security against any loss, liability or expense. Subject to such provisions for indemnification of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of debt securities then outstanding will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to such series of outstanding debt securities.

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The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of debt securities of a series then outstanding may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of such series, waive any past default and its consequences under the indenture except a default in the payment of interest on, or the principal of, debt securities of such series (other than the non-payment of principal of or interest on debt securities of such series that became due solely because of the acceleration of debt securities of such series) or a covenant or provision of the indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each holder of each debt security of such series affected.

AWCC is required to deliver to the trustee within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year a statement regarding compliance with the indenture during that fiscal year. Promptly (and in any event within 5 business days) upon a responsible officer, as defined below, of AWCC becoming aware of any default or event of default, AWCC is required to deliver to the trustee a statement specifying that default.

“Responsible officer” means the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, general counsel, any senior financial officer and any other officer of AWCC with responsibility for the administration of the indenture.

“Senior financial officer” means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of AWCC.

Modification or Waiver

Except as provided below, AWCC and the trustee may supplement and amend the indenture with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities. The consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected is required to:

AWCC and the trustee may supplement and amend the indenture without the consent of any holder for the following purposes:

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The consent of the holders of the debt securities is not necessary under the indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or supplemental indenture. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment or supplemental indenture.

Prescription Period

Any money that AWCC deposits with the trustee or any paying agent for the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on any debt security that remains unclaimed for two years after the date upon which the principal, premium, if any, and interest are due and payable will be repaid to AWCC upon AWCC’s request unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of any applicable unclaimed property law. After that time, unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of any unclaimed property law, the holder of any debt security will be able to seek any payment to which that holder may be entitled only from AWCC.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Shareholders

No director, officer, employee, incorporator or shareholder of AWCC or American Water, will have any liability for any obligations of AWCC or American Water under the debt securities, the indenture or the support agreement, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of a debt security by accepting such debt security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the debt securities. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities law and it is the view of the SEC that such waiver is against public policy.

Defeasance

At any time, AWCC may terminate all its obligations under debt securities of a series and the indenture with respect to such debt securities, which is referred to as “legal defeasance,” except for certain obligations, including those respecting the defeasance trust and obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of such series, to replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities of such series and to maintain a registrar and paying agent in respect of the debt securities of such series.

In addition, at any time AWCC may terminate its obligations under certain specified covenants with respect to a series of debt securities.

AWCC may exercise its legal defeasance option with respect to a series of debt securities notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option with respect to such series of debt securities. If AWCC exercises its legal defeasance option with respect to a series of debt securities, payment of the debt securities of such series may not be accelerated because of an event of default with respect thereto. If AWCC exercises its covenant defeasance option with respect to a series of debt securities, payment of the debt securities of such series may not be accelerated because of a default related to the specified covenants.

In order to exercise either defeasance option with respect to debt securities of a series, AWCC must irrevocably deposit in trust, which is referred to as the “defeasance trust,” with the trustee money or U.S. Government obligations, or both, in an amount deemed sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm

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of independent public accountants for the payment of principal and premium, if any, and interest on such debt securities to maturity, and must comply with certain other conditions, including delivery to the trustee of an opinion of counsel to the effect that holders of the debt securities of such series will not recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred (and, in the case of legal defeasance only, such opinion of counsel must be based on a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law).

Discharge

When (i) AWCC delivers to the trustee all outstanding debt securities of a series (other than any debt securities replaced because of mutilation, loss, destruction or wrongful taking) for cancellation or (ii) all outstanding debt securities of such series have become due and payable, or are by their terms due and payable within one year whether at maturity or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the trustee, and in the case of clause (ii) AWCC irrevocably deposits with the trustee funds sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all outstanding debt securities of such series, including interest thereon, and if in either case AWCC pays all other sums related to the applicable series of debt securities payable under the indenture by AWCC, then the indenture shall, subject to certain surviving provisions, cease to be of further effect with respect to such series. The trustee shall acknowledge satisfaction and discharge of the indenture with respect to the applicable series of debt securities on request of AWCC accompanied by an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel of AWCC.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

Book-Entry, Delivery and Form

Except as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, each series of debt securities will be issued in registered, global form and will be represented by one or more global securities. Upon issuance, each of the global securities will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company, which is referred to as “DTC,” in New York, New York, and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each case for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as described below.

Except as set forth below, the global securities may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the global securities may not be exchanged for definitive debt securities in registered certificated form, which is referred to as “certificated debt securities,” except in the limited circumstances described below. See “—Exchanges of Global Securities for Certificated Debt Securities.” Except in the limited circumstances described below, owners of beneficial interests in the global securities will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of the debt securities in certificated form.

Transfers of beneficial interests in the global securities will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its direct or indirect participants, which may change from time to time.

Exchanges of Global Securities for Certificated Debt Securities

A beneficial interest in a global security may not be exchanged for a debt security in certificated form unless (i) DTC (x) notifies AWCC that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for such global security or (y) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, or (ii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an event of default with respect to the debt securities. In all cases, certificated debt securities delivered in exchange for any global security or beneficial interests therein will be registered in the names, and issued in approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of DTC (in accordance with its customary procedures).

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Depository Procedures

The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC is provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to changes by them from time to time. American Water and AWCC take no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urge investors to contact the system or their participants directly to discuss these matters.

Upon the issuance of the global securities, DTC will credit, on its internal system, the respective principal amount of the individual beneficial interests represented by such global securities to the accounts with DTC, which are referred to as “participants,” or persons who hold interests through participants. Ownership or beneficial interests in the global securities will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee (with respect to interests of participants) and the records of participants (with respect to interest of persons other than participants).

As long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered holder of a global security, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner and holder of the debt securities represented by such global security for all purposes under the indenture and the debt securities. Except in the limited circumstances described above under “—Exchanges of Global Securities for Certificated Debt Securities,” owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have portions of such global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the global security (or any debt securities presented thereby) under the indenture or the debt securities. In addition, no beneficial owner of an interest in a global security will be able to transfer that interest except in accordance with DTC’s applicable procedures, in addition to those under the indenture referred to herein.

Investors may hold their interests in the global securities directly through DTC, if they are participants in such system, or indirectly through organizations which are participants in such system. All interests in a global security may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC.

The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security to such persons may be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of participants, which in turn act on behalf of indirect participants and certain banks, the ability of a person having beneficial interests in a global security to pledge such interests to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take action in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.

Payments of the principal of and interest on global securities will be made to DTC or its nominee as the registered holder thereof. Neither AWCC, the trustee nor any of their respective agents will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

AWCC expects that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest in respect of a global security representing any debt securities held by it or its nominee, will immediately credit participants’ accounts with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such debt securities as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. AWCC also expects that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global securities held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in “street name.” Such payments will be the responsibility of such participants.

Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with DTC’s procedures.

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DTC has advised AWCC that DTC will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of debt securities (including the presentation of debt securities for exchange as described below) only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account with DTC interests in the global securities are credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities as to which such participant or participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an event of default under the debt securities, DTC reserves the right to exchange the global securities for legended debt securities in certificated form, and to distribute such debt securities to its participants.

DTC has advised AWCC that DTC is:

DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical transfer and delivery of certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and may include certain other organizations. DTC is partially owned by some of these participants or their representatives. Indirect access to the DTC system is available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly, which we refer to as indirect participants.

Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of beneficial ownership interests in the global securities among participants of DTC, it is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. None of AWCC, the trustee nor any of their respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its participants or indirect participants of its respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing its operations, including maintaining, supervising or reviewing the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in global securities.

Settlement and Payment

AWCC will make payments in respect of the debt securities represented by the global securities (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the global security holder. AWCC will make all payments of principal, interest and premium, if any, with respect to certificated debt securities by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders of the certificated debt securities or, if no such account is specified, by mailing a check to each such holder’s registered address.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

The following summary of certain provisions of the depositary shares does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of the depositary agreement that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of such depositary shares.

American Water may offer fractional shares of preferred stock, rather than full shares of preferred stock. If American Water decides to offer fractional shares of preferred stock, American Water will issue receipts for depositary shares. Each depositary share will represent a fraction of a share of a particular series of preferred stock, and the prospectus supplement will indicate that fraction. The shares of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited under a depositary agreement between American Water and a depositary that is a bank or trust company that meets certain requirements and is selected by American Water. The depositary will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each owner of a depositary share will be entitled to all of the rights and preferences of the preferred stock represented by the depositary share. The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the depositary agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional shares of preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the offering.

American Water has summarized selected provisions of the depositary agreement and the depositary receipts, but the summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the depositary agreement and the depositary receipts. The particular terms of any series of depositary shares will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If so indicated in the prospectus supplement, the terms of any such series may differ from the terms set forth below.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received by it in respect of the preferred stock to the record holders of depositary shares relating to such preferred shares in proportion to the numbers of depositary shares held on the relevant record date. The amount made available for distribution will be reduced by any amounts withheld by the depositary or American Water on account of taxes.

In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute securities or property received by it to the record holders of depositary shares in proportion to the numbers of depositary shares held on the relevant record date, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such distribution. In that case, the depositary may make the distribution by such method as it deems equitable and practicable. One such possible method is for the depositary to sell the securities or property and then distribute the net proceeds from the sale as provided in the case of a cash distribution.

Withdrawal of Shares

Upon surrender of depositary receipts representing any number of whole shares at the depositary’s office, unless the related depositary shares previously have been called for redemption, the holder of the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts will be entitled to delivery of the number of whole shares of the related series of preferred stock and all money and other property, if any, underlying such depositary shares. However, once such an exchange is made, the preferred stock cannot thereafter be redeposited in exchange for depositary shares. Holders of depositary shares will be entitled to receive whole shares of the related series of preferred stock on the basis set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares representing more than the number of whole shares of preferred stock of the related series to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to the holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares.

Redemption of Depositary Shares

Whenever American Water redeems shares of the preferred stock, the depositary will redeem a number of depositary shares representing the same number of shares of preferred stock so redeemed. If fewer than all of the

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depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot, pro-rata or by any other equitable method as the depositary may determine.

Voting of Underlying Shares

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preferred stock of any series are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in the notice of the meeting to the record holders of the depositary shares relating to that series of preferred shares. Each record holder of the depositary shares on the record date will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights represented by the number of shares of preferred stock underlying the holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will endeavor, to the extent it is practical to do so, to vote the number of whole shares of preferred stock underlying such depositary shares in accordance with such instructions. American Water will agree to take all action that the depositary may deem reasonably necessary in order to enable the depositary to do so. To the extent the depositary does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares relating to such preferred shares, it will abstain from voting such shares of preferred stock.

Amendment and Termination of Depositary Agreement

The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the applicable depositary agreement may at any time be amended by agreement between American Water and the depositary. American Water may, with the consent of the depositary, amend the depositary agreement from time to time in any manner that American Water desires. However, if the amendment would materially and adversely alter the rights of the existing holders of depositary shares, the amendment would need to be approved by the holders of at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding.

The depositary agreement may be terminated by American Water or the depositary if:

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so. American Water may remove a depositary at any time. Any resignation or removal will take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of appointment.

Charges of Depositary

American Water will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of any depositary arrangements. American Water will pay all charges of each depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred shares of any series, the initial issuance of the depositary shares, any redemption of such preferred shares and any withdrawals of such preferred shares by holders of depositary shares. Holders of depositary shares will be required to pay any other transfer taxes.

Notices

Each depositary will forward to the holders of the applicable depositary shares all notices, reports and communications from American Water which are delivered to such depositary and which are required to be furnished to the holders of the preferred shares.

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Limitation of Liability

The depositary agreement will contain provisions that limit American Water’s liability and the liability of the depositary to the holders of depositary shares. Both the depositary and American Water will also be entitled to an indemnity from the holders of the depositary shares prior to bringing, or defending against, any legal proceeding. American Water or any depositary may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons presenting preferred shares for deposit, holders of depositary shares or other persons believed by American Water to be competent and on documents believed by American Water or them to be genuine.

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DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS

The following summary of certain provisions of the stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of the stock purchase contract or stock purchase unit, as applicable, that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of such securities.

American Water may issue stock purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from American Water, and obligating American Water to sell to the holders, a specified number of shares of common stock or other securities at a future date or dates, which are referred to as “stock purchase contracts.” The price per share of the securities and the number of shares of the securities may be fixed at the time the stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of units consisting of a stock purchase contract and debt securities, preferred securities, warrants or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. treasury securities, securing the holders’ obligations to purchase the securities under the stock purchase contracts, which are referred to as “stock purchase units.” The stock purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under the stock purchase contracts in a specified manner. The stock purchase contracts also may require American Water to make periodic payments to the holders of the stock purchase units or vice versa, and those payments may be unsecured or refunded on some basis.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units. The description in the prospectus supplement will not necessarily be complete, and reference will be made to the stock purchase contracts, and, if applicable, collateral or depositary arrangements, relating to the stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units, which will be filed with the SEC each time American Water issues stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units. Material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the stock purchase units and the stock purchase contracts will also be discussed in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS

The following summary of certain provisions of the subscription rights does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of the certificate evidencing the subscription rights that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of such subscription rights.

General

American Water may issue subscription rights to purchase common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or warrants to purchase preferred stock, common stock or depositary shares. Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with any other offered security and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In connection with any subscription rights offering to American Water’s shareholders, American Water may enter into a standby underwriting arrangement with one or more underwriters pursuant to which such underwriters will purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such subscription rights offering. In connection with a subscription rights offering to American Water’s shareholders, American Water will distribute certificates evidencing the subscription rights and a prospectus supplement to American Water’s shareholders on or about the record date that American Water sets for receiving subscription rights in such subscription rights offering.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of subscription rights in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:

Exercise of Subscription Rights

Each subscription right will entitle the holder of the subscription right to purchase for cash such amount of shares of preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock, warrants or any combination thereof, at such exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Subscription rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for such subscription rights set forth in the prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised subscription rights will become void.

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Subscription rights may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Upon receipt of payment and the subscription rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the subscription rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, American Water will forward, as soon as practicable, the shares of preferred stock or common stock, depositary shares or warrants purchasable upon such exercise. American Water may determine to offer any unsubscribed offered securities directly to persons other than shareholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby underwriting arrangements, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

The following summary of certain provisions of the warrants does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of the warrant agreement that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of such warrants.

General

American Water may issue warrants for the purchase of debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock. Warrants may be issued independently or together with debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from any such offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between American Water and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as American Water’s agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants.

Debt Warrants

The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of debt warrants will describe the terms of such debt warrants, including the following:

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Stock Warrants

The prospectus supplement relating to any particular issue of warrants for preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock will describe the terms of such warrants, including the following:

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We and any selling security holder may offer and sell the securities covered by this prospectus from time to time, in one or more transactions, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to market prices, at a fixed price or prices subject to change, at varying prices determined at the time of sale or at negotiated prices, by a variety of methods, including the following:

Registration of the securities covered by this prospectus does not mean that those securities necessarily will be offered or sold.

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In effecting sales, brokers or dealers engaged by us may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate. Broker-dealer transactions may include:

In addition, we and any selling security holder may sell any securities covered by this prospectus in private transactions or under Rule 144 of the Securities Act rather than pursuant to this prospectus.

In connection with the sale of securities covered by this prospectus, broker-dealers may receive commissions or other compensation from us in the form of commissions, discounts or concessions. Broker-dealers may also receive compensation from purchasers of the securities for whom they act as agents or to whom they sell as principals or both. Compensation as to a particular broker-dealer may be in excess of customary commissions or in amounts to be negotiated. In connection with any underwritten offering, underwriters may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from us or from purchasers of the securities for whom they act as agents. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Any underwriters, broker-dealers, agents or other persons acting on our behalf that participate in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on the sale of the securities by them and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by any of those underwriters, broker-dealers, agents or other persons may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.

In connection with the distribution of the securities covered by this prospectus or otherwise, we or any selling security holder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions. In connection with such transactions, broker-dealers or other financial institutions may engage in short sales of our securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume with us or any selling security holder. We or any selling security holder may also sell securities short and deliver the securities offered by this prospectus to close out short positions. We or any selling security holder may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of securities offered by this prospectus, which securities such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus, as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction. We or any selling security holder may also from time to time pledge our securities pursuant to the margin provisions of customer agreements with brokers. Upon a default, the broker may offer and sell such pledged securities from time to time pursuant to this prospectus, as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction.

At any time a particular offer of the securities covered by this prospectus is made, a prospectus supplement, or, if required, a revised prospectus, will be distributed which will set forth the aggregate amount of securities covered by this prospectus being offered and the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers, brokers or agents, any discounts, commissions, concessions and other items constituting compensation from us and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. Such prospectus supplement, and, if necessary, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, will be filed with the SEC to reflect the disclosure of additional information with respect to the distribution of the securities covered by this prospectus. In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, the securities sold under this prospectus may only be sold through registered or licensed broker-dealers. In addition, in some states the securities may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.

We may solicit offers to purchase directly. Offers to purchase securities also may be solicited by agents designated by us from time to time. Any such agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities in respect of which

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this prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by us to such agent will be set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in such prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a reasonable best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. Any such agent may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, of the securities so offered and sold.

American Water may offer its equity securities into an existing trading market on the terms described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Underwriters, dealers and agents who may participate in any at-the-market offerings will be described in the prospectus supplement relating thereto.

Securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more firms acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents, which are referred to as “remarketing firms.” Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, in connection with the securities remarketed thereby.

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may authorize agents, dealers or underwriters to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date or dates stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Such delayed delivery contracts will be subject to only those conditions set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. A commission indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement will be paid to underwriters and agents soliciting purchases of securities pursuant to delayed delivery contracts accepted by us.

In connection with an underwritten offering, we and any selling security holder would execute an underwriting agreement with an underwriter or underwriters. Unless otherwise indicated in the revised prospectus or applicable prospectus supplement, such underwriting agreement would provide that the obligations of the underwriter or underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent, and that the underwriter or underwriters with respect to a sale of the covered securities will be obligated to purchase all of the covered securities, if any such securities are purchased. We or any selling security holder may grant to the underwriter or underwriters an option to purchase additional securities at the public offering price, less any underwriting discount, as may be set forth in the revised prospectus or applicable prospectus supplement. If we or any selling security holder grants any such option, the terms of that option will be set forth in the revised prospectus or applicable prospectus supplement.

Underwriters, agents, brokers or dealers may be entitled, pursuant to relevant agreements entered into with us, to indemnification by us or any selling security holder against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act that may arise from any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact, or any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact in this prospectus, any supplement or amendment hereto, or in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, or to contribution with respect to payments which the underwriters, agents, brokers or dealers may be required to make.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered in this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement and certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, New York, New York, and/or counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement. If the securities are being distributed in an underwritten offering, certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by counsel identified in the related prospectus supplement.

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EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

American Water files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These SEC filings are available to the public via the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and our website at https://amwater.com. The information contained on or accessible from our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference herein.

American Water is “incorporating by reference” into this prospectus specific documents that it files with the SEC, which means that important information can be disclosed to you by referring you to those documents that are considered part of this prospectus. Information that American Water files subsequently with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. American Water incorporates by reference the documents listed below, and any future documents that it files with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, until the termination of the offerings of all of the securities covered by this prospectus. This prospectus is part of a registration statement filed with the SEC.

American Water is incorporating by reference into this prospectus the following documents filed with the SEC (excluding any portions of such documents that have been “furnished” but not “filed” for purposes of the Exchange Act):

American Water will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request and without charge, a copy of the documents referred to above that are incorporated in this prospectus by reference. You can request copies of such documents if you write or call to American Water at the following address or telephone number: American Water Works Company, Inc., 1 Water Street, Camden, New Jersey 08102-1658, Attention: Secretary, (856) 955-4001, or such other address and telephone number as may be provided in a prospectus supplement.

This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or information incorporated by reference herein or therein, contains summaries of certain agreements that we have filed as exhibits to various SEC filings, as well as certain agreements that we will enter into in connection with the offering of securities covered by any particular accompanying prospectus supplement. The descriptions of these agreements contained in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or information incorporated by reference herein or therein do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, the definitive agreements. Copies of the definitive agreements will be made available without charge to you by making a written or oral request to us.

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We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any related free writing prospectus filed by us with the SEC. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. You should not assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of this prospectus.

Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein, in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein or in any accompanying prospectus supplement, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified and superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

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11,000,000 Shares

American Water Works Company, Inc.

Common Stock

P R O S P E C T U S    S U P P L E M E N T

Joint Book-Running Managers

BofA Securities

Wells Fargo Securities

RBC Capital Markets

J.P. Morgan

Mizuho

Evercore ISI

Guggenheim Securities

Co-Managers

Scotiabank

TD Securities

Truist Securities

Huntington Capital Markets

Regions Securities LLC

Loop Capital Markets

Roberts & Ryan

February 28, 2023