American Water Works Association
American Water Works Association shows consistent financial growth and no reported officer compensation.
EIN: 135660277 · Denver, CO · NTEE: W038 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is American Water Works Association Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
American Water Works Association directs 75% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About American Water Works Association
American Water Works Association (EIN: 135660277) is a nonprofit organization based in Denver, CO, classified under NTEE code W038. The organization reported total revenue of $48.0M and total assets of $52.0M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of American Water Works Association's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
American Water Works Association is a large nonprofit that has been operating for 57 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2022). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 1.9%.
Key Financial Metrics (2022)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $35.4M |
| Total Expenses | $32.5M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$2.8M |
| Total Assets | $46.4M |
| Total Liabilities | $19.8M |
| Net Assets | $26.6M |
| Operating Margin | 8.0% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 42.7% |
| Months of Reserves | 17.1 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2022, American Water Works Association reported a surplus of $2.8M with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 17.1 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 42.7% (moderate leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 12 years of filings (2011–2022), American Water Works Association's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.9%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | -4.0% | +17.3% | -1.8% |
| 2021 | +53.5% | +1.6% | +28.5% |
| 2020 | -29.9% | -15.8% | -1.5% |
| 2019 | +5.3% | +4.0% | +10.5% |
| 2018 | +0.4% | +0.8% | +7.0% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2800 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1969 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates American Water Works Association with a Mission Score of 85 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 15%
- programs: 75%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, American Water Works Association allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 75%, fundraising: 10%. With 75% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2022)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $2.8M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 42.7%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The provided data consistently shows 0% for 'Officer Comp' across all available filing periods, which is unusual for an organization of this size with revenues reaching nearly $48 million. This suggests that executive compensation may be reported under different categories or that the organization's leadership structure does not involve traditional officer compensation as typically reported.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of American Water Works Association's IRS 990 filings:
- Lack of reported officer compensation in summary data, requiring deeper investigation into Form 990 Part VII.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for American Water Works Association:
- Consistent financial surpluses in most years, indicating sound financial management.
- Significant asset growth from $34.7 million in 2013 to $46.4 million in 2022, enhancing long-term stability.
- Stable revenue streams, with latest revenue at $47,978,940, supporting ongoing operations.
- Healthy asset-to-liability ratio, with assets of $46,390,554 against liabilities of $19,790,338 in 2022, indicating strong financial solvency.
Frequently Asked Questions about American Water Works Association
Is American Water Works Association a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, American Water Works Association (EIN: 135660277) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does American Water Works Association spend its money?
American Water Works Association directs 75% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to American Water Works Association tax-deductible?
American Water Works Association is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 135660277). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How does AWWA manage executive compensation if 'Officer Comp' is consistently 0%?
The consistent 0% reported for 'Officer Comp' across all filings suggests that executive compensation might be categorized under other expense lines, or the organization's leadership structure and compensation practices differ from typical reporting. A detailed review of their Form 990, Part VII, Section A, 'Compensation of Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors' would be necessary to understand this.
What is the primary driver of AWWA's revenue, given its NTEE code W038?
As a professional society/association (NTEE W038), AWWA's revenue is likely driven by membership dues, conference fees, publications, and training programs related to the water utility industry. This aligns with their mission to improve water quality and supply.
How has AWWA managed to grow its assets significantly over the past decade?
AWWA has consistently generated surpluses in most years, such as $2,817,956 in 2022 and $9,098,545 in 2021. These surpluses, combined with prudent financial management, have allowed the organization to accumulate assets from $34,712,285 in 2013 to $46,390,554 in 2022.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for American Water Works Association showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2022), American Water Works Association's revenue has grown by 22.4%, moving from $28.9M to $35.4M. Total assets increased by 40.2% over the same period, from $33.1M to $46.4M. Total functional expenses rose by 18.6%, from $27.4M to $32.5M. In its most recent filing year (2022), American Water Works Association reported a surplus of $2.8M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $19.8M in liabilities against $46.4M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 42.7%), resulting in net assets of $26.6M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $35.4M | $32.5M | $46.4M | $19.8M | — | — |
| 2021 | $36.8M | $27.7M | $47.2M | $19.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $24.0M | $27.3M | $36.8M | $16.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $34.2M | $32.4M | $37.4M | $14.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $32.5M | $31.2M | $33.8M | $13.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $32.4M | $30.9M | $31.6M | $12.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $31.1M | $31.7M | $36.3M | $16.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $31.4M | $31.3M | $37.0M | $17.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $29.9M | $28.2M | $36.5M | $18.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $28.7M | $27.7M | $34.7M | $13.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $28.2M | $26.7M | $34.2M | $17.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $28.9M | $27.4M | $33.1M | $18.1M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2022: Revenue of $35.4M, expenses of $32.5M, and assets of $46.4M (revenue -4.0% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $36.8M, expenses of $27.7M, and assets of $47.2M (revenue +53.5% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $24.0M, expenses of $27.3M, and assets of $36.8M (revenue -29.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $34.2M, expenses of $32.4M, and assets of $37.4M (revenue +5.3% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $32.5M, expenses of $31.2M, and assets of $33.8M (revenue +0.4% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $32.4M, expenses of $30.9M, and assets of $31.6M (revenue +4.3% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $31.1M, expenses of $31.7M, and assets of $36.3M (revenue -1.2% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $31.4M, expenses of $31.3M, and assets of $37.0M (revenue +5.0% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $29.9M, expenses of $28.2M, and assets of $36.5M (revenue +4.2% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $28.7M, expenses of $27.7M, and assets of $34.7M (revenue +1.7% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $28.2M, expenses of $26.7M, and assets of $34.2M (revenue -2.2% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $28.9M, expenses of $27.4M, and assets of $33.1M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for American Water Works Association:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for American Water Works Association is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.