The award is given annually to a member of the community who has improved the quality of life of those around him or her through continued improvements to or investment in infrastructure.

Pennoni has bestowed its 2010 Ellipse Award to Aqua America Chairman and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis. The Ellipse Award for the Improvement of Quality of Life Through Infrastructure is given annually by Pennoni to a member of the community who has improved the quality of life of those around him or her through continued improvements to or investment in infrastructure. The award was presented to Mr. DeBenedictis at the annual Ellipse Gala, held March 6, 2010 at the Waterworks Restaurant and Lounge.

Mr. DeBenedictis has led Aqua America in fulfilling its mission to its customers: the reliable delivery of quality drinking water-a service that is basic to the quality of life enjoyed in the United States-and the environmentally responsible disposal of wastewater. The company’s commitment to providing quality water and wastewater services and the capital investment in key water and wastewater infrastructure have thrived under Mr. DeBenedictis’ stewardship.

Mr. DeBenedictis considers the health of our nation’s infrastructure to be a top priority, and has led Aqua America to invest more than a billion dollars to improve its plants, tanks, distribution systems and other infrastructure. His vision of a world where everyone has access to clean drinking water and good sanitation, as well as his ability to lead change to make those visions a reality, is among the many reasons that he has been chosen as the recipient of the 2010 Ellipse Award.