Committeewoman Cara Jensen

Missouri American Water will make grants up to $10,000 to support environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds and drinking water supplies.

The company is accepting applications for its Environmental Grant Program for innovative, community-based projects. The entry deadline is March 22.

Examples of activities supported by the program include watershed cleanups, restoration efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects and hazardous waste collection efforts, the company said.

Information, application forms and a look at past winners can be found here. Entries should be mailed to Christie Barnhart, Missouri American Water, 2650 E. 32nd St., Suite 121, Joplin, Mo., 64804.

Frank Kartmann, president of Missouri American Water, said the company encourages communities, schools and non-governmental associations involved in these efforts to consider applying for a grant.

To be eligible, a proposed project must be located within Missouri American Water’s service area and be completed between May 1 and November 1 this year. It must be a new or innovative initiative, or a significant expansion to an existing program. Projects will be judged in part on projected impact, and collaboration with other organizations.

St. Louis-based Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE:AWK) is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, and provides water and/or wastewater services to about 1.5 million people. American Water, based in Voorhees, N.J., is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company, providing services in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada.