<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with the Workiva Platform-->
<!--Copyright 2026 Workiva-->
<!--r:019e17ce-ef24-7ddf-b6b1-9fea91509567,g:d925b987-0e85-40c9-bab6-1488f373e7d4-->
<xs:schema xmlns:xs="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:awk="http://amwater.com/20260630" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:dtr-types="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" targetNamespace="http://amwater.com/20260630">
  <xs:import namespace="http://fasb.org/srt/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31" schemaLocation="https://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31/types.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2026/stpr-2026.xsd"/>
  <xs:annotation>
    <xs:appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="awk-20260630_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="awk-20260630_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="awk-20260630_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="awk-20260630_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:roleType id="CoverPage" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/CoverPage">
        <link:definition>0000001 - Document - Cover Page</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited">
        <link:definition>9952151 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical">
        <link:definition>9952152 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsofOperationsUnaudited" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofOperationsUnaudited">
        <link:definition>9952153 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited">
        <link:definition>9952154 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeUnauditedParenthetical" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeUnauditedParenthetical">
        <link:definition>9952155 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowsUnaudited" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowsUnaudited">
        <link:definition>9952156 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowsUnauditedParenthetical" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowsUnauditedParenthetical">
        <link:definition>9952157 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinShareholdersEquityUnaudited" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinShareholdersEquityUnaudited">
        <link:definition>9952158 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinShareholdersEquityUnauditedParenthetical" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinShareholdersEquityUnauditedParenthetical">
        <link:definition>9952159 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BasisofPresentation" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/BasisofPresentation">
        <link:definition>9952160 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/SignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>9952161 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RegulatoryMatters" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/RegulatoryMatters">
        <link:definition>9952162 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognition" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/RevenueRecognition">
        <link:definition>9952163 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="MergersAcquisitionsandDivestitures" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/MergersAcquisitionsandDivestitures">
        <link:definition>9952164 - Disclosure - Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareholdersEquity" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ShareholdersEquity">
        <link:definition>9952165 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LongTermDebt" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/LongTermDebt">
        <link:definition>9952166 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShortTermDebt" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ShortTermDebt">
        <link:definition>9952167 - Disclosure - Short-Term Debt</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/IncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>9952168 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefits" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefits">
        <link:definition>9952169 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsandContingencies" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies">
        <link:definition>9952170 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsperCommonShare" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/EarningsperCommonShare">
        <link:definition>9952171 - Disclosure - Earnings per Common Share</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInformation" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInformation">
        <link:definition>9952172 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Leases" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/Leases">
        <link:definition>9952173 - Disclosure - Leases</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformation" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/SegmentInformation">
        <link:definition>9952174 - Disclosure - Segment Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies">
        <link:definition>9955511 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables">
        <link:definition>9955512 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RegulatoryMattersTables" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/RegulatoryMattersTables">
        <link:definition>9955513 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognitionTables" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables">
        <link:definition>9955514 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="MergersAcquisitionsandDivestituresTables" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/MergersAcquisitionsandDivestituresTables">
        <link:definition>9955515 - Disclosure - Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareholdersEquityTables" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ShareholdersEquityTables">
        <link:definition>9955516 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShortTermDebtTables" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ShortTermDebtTables">
        <link:definition>9955517 - Disclosure - Short-Term Debt (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitsTables" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitsTables">
        <link:definition>9955518 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsperCommonShareTables" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/EarningsperCommonShareTables">
        <link:definition>9955519 - Disclosure - Earnings per Common Share (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInformationTables" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInformationTables">
        <link:definition>9955520 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Information (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformationTables" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/SegmentInformationTables">
        <link:definition>9955521 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955522 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails_1" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails_1">
        <link:definition>9955522 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesCashCashEquivalentsandRestrictedFundsDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesCashCashEquivalentsandRestrictedFundsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955523 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Funds (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesAllowanceforUncollectibleAccountsDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAllowanceforUncollectibleAccountsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955524 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RegulatoryMattersScheduleofGenerateRateCasesandInfrastructureSurchargesDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/RegulatoryMattersScheduleofGenerateRateCasesandInfrastructureSurchargesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955525 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters - Schedule of Generate Rate Cases and Infrastructure Surcharges (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RegulatoryMattersGeneralRateCasesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/RegulatoryMattersGeneralRateCasesAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955526 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters - General Rate Cases Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RegulatoryMattersPendingGeneralRateCaseFilingAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/RegulatoryMattersPendingGeneralRateCaseFilingAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955527 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters - Pending General Rate Case Filing Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RegulatoryMattersScheduleofAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/RegulatoryMattersScheduleofAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955528 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters - Schedule of Annualized Incremental Revenues (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RegulatoryMattersPendingInfrastructureSurchargeFilingsAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/RegulatoryMattersPendingInfrastructureSurchargeFilingsAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955529 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters - Pending Infrastructure Surcharge Filings Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognitionDisaggregatedRevenuesDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/RevenueRecognitionDisaggregatedRevenuesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955530 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition - Disaggregated Revenues (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognitionContractAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/RevenueRecognitionContractAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955531 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition - Contract Assets and Liabilities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognitionRemainingPerformanceObligationsDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/RevenueRecognitionRemainingPerformanceObligationsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955532 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition - Remaining Performance Obligations (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="MergersAcquisitionsandDivestituresNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/MergersAcquisitionsandDivestituresNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955533 - Disclosure - Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="MergersAcquisitionsandDivestituresScheduleofPurchasePriceAllocationDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/MergersAcquisitionsandDivestituresScheduleofPurchasePriceAllocationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955534 - Disclosure - Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures - Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareholdersEquityEquityForwardSaleAgreementsDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ShareholdersEquityEquityForwardSaleAgreementsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955535 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity - Equity Forward Sale Agreements (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareholdersEquityChangesinAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossbyComponentDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ShareholdersEquityChangesinAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossbyComponentDetails">
        <link:definition>9955536 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareholdersEquityDividendsDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ShareholdersEquityDividendsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955537 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity - Dividends (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LongTermDebtDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/LongTermDebtDetails">
        <link:definition>9955538 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LongTermDebtDetails_1" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/LongTermDebtDetails_1">
        <link:definition>9955538 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShortTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ShortTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955539 - Disclosure - Short-Term Debt - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShortTermDebtScheduleofCompanysAggregateCreditFacilityCommitmentsCommercialPaperLimitLetterofCreditAvailabilityandAvailabilityCapacityDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ShortTermDebtScheduleofCompanysAggregateCreditFacilityCommitmentsCommercialPaperLimitLetterofCreditAvailabilityandAvailabilityCapacityDetails">
        <link:definition>9955540 - Disclosure - Short-Term Debt - Schedule of Company's Aggregate Credit Facility Commitments, Commercial Paper Limit, Letter of Credit Availability and Availability Capacity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShortTermDebtScheduleofCompanysAggregateCreditFacilityCommitmentsCommercialPaperLimitLetterofCreditAvailabilityandAvailabilityCapacityDetails_1" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ShortTermDebtScheduleofCompanysAggregateCreditFacilityCommitmentsCommercialPaperLimitLetterofCreditAvailabilityandAvailabilityCapacityDetails_1">
        <link:definition>9955540 - Disclosure - Short-Term Debt - Schedule of Company's Aggregate Credit Facility Commitments, Commercial Paper Limit, Letter of Credit Availability and Availability Capacity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShortTermDebtScheduleofAvailabilityLiquidityDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/ShortTermDebtScheduleofAvailabilityLiquidityDetails">
        <link:definition>9955541 - Disclosure - Short-Term Debt - Schedule of Availability Liquidity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955542 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitsScheduleofNetPeriodicBenefitCostComponentsDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitsScheduleofNetPeriodicBenefitCostComponentsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955543 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Components (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitsAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitsAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955544 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsandContingenciesDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955545 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsperCommonShareReconciliationofNumeratorandDenominatorforBasicandDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/EarningsperCommonShareReconciliationofNumeratorandDenominatorforBasicandDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails">
        <link:definition>9955546 - Disclosure - Earnings per Common Share - Reconciliation of Numerator and Denominator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsperCommonShareAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/EarningsperCommonShareAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955547 - Disclosure - Earnings per Common Share - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInformationAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInformationAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955548 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Information - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInformationAdditionalInformationDetails_1" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInformationAdditionalInformationDetails_1">
        <link:definition>9955548 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Information - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInformationCarryingAmountsandFairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInformationCarryingAmountsandFairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955549 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Information - Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInformationMeasurementsofAssetsandLiabilitiesonRecurringBasisDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInformationMeasurementsofAssetsandLiabilitiesonRecurringBasisDetails">
        <link:definition>9955550 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Information - Measurements of Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInformationUnrealizedPositionsforAvailableforsaleFixedIncomeSecuritiesDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInformationUnrealizedPositionsforAvailableforsaleFixedIncomeSecuritiesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955551 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Information - Unrealized Positions for Available-for-sale Fixed-Income Securities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInformationAvailableforsaleFixedIncomeSecuritiesDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInformationAvailableforsaleFixedIncomeSecuritiesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955552 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Information - Available-for-sale Fixed-Income Securities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LeasesDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/LeasesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955553 - Disclosure - Leases (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955554 - Disclosure - Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformationSummarizedSegmentInformationDetails" roleURI="http://amwater.com/role/SegmentInformationSummarizedSegmentInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955555 - Disclosure - Segment Information - Summarized Segment Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </xs:appinfo>
  </xs:annotation>
  <xs:element id="awk_LongTermDebtIncludesRedeemablePreferredStockAtRedemptionValue" abstract="false" name="LongTermDebtIncludesRedeemablePreferredStockAtRedemptionValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_AdvancesforConstruction" abstract="false" name="AdvancesforConstruction" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesandInvestmentTaxCreditsNoncurrent" abstract="false" name="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesandInvestmentTaxCreditsNoncurrent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_RegulatoryandOtherLongtermLiabilities" abstract="false" name="RegulatoryandOtherLongtermLiabilities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_InterestIncomeNonoperating" abstract="false" name="InterestIncomeNonoperating" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_BenefitCostsNonOperatingNet" abstract="false" name="BenefitCostsNonOperatingNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionTreasuryStockReissuedValue" abstract="false" name="NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionTreasuryStockReissuedValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_SettlementsOfLongTermDebt" abstract="false" name="SettlementsOfLongTermDebt" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_RegulatoryMattersTextBlock" abstract="false" name="RegulatoryMattersTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_ScheduleOfGenerateRateCasesAndInfrastructureSurchargesTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfGenerateRateCasesAndInfrastructureSurchargesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_ScheduleOfAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_InvestmentTaxCreditPeriod" abstract="false" name="InvestmentTaxCreditPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_InvestmentTaxCreditSoldToExternalParties" abstract="false" name="InvestmentTaxCreditSoldToExternalParties" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesIncludingReductionForTheAmortizationOfTheExcessAccumulatedDeferredIncomeTaxes" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesIncludingReductionForTheAmortizationOfTheExcessAccumulatedDeferredIncomeTaxes" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateAxis" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateDomain" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateFebruary262026Member" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateFebruary262026Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateYear2024Member" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateYear2024Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateYear2025Member" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateYear2025Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateYear2026Member" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateYear2026Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesApprovedAmount" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesApprovedAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesPreviouslyApprovedInfrastructureFilingsAmount" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesPreviouslyApprovedInfrastructureFilingsAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesAdjustmentCommonEquityRatioPercentage" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesAdjustmentCommonEquityRatioPercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesDebtRatioPercentage" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesDebtRatioPercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesAuthorizedRateBaseAmount" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesAuthorizedRateBaseAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesApprovedAmountIncreaseDecreaseInCapitalInvestments" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesApprovedAmountIncreaseDecreaseInCapitalInvestments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesAuthorizedRateBaseNotIncludedInGeneralRateCaseOrderAmount" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesAuthorizedRateBaseNotIncludedInGeneralRateCaseOrderAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesCommonEquityRatioPercentage" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesCommonEquityRatioPercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseInCapitalInvestments" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseInCapitalInvestments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesEstimatedAndNotApprovedAmount" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesEstimatedAndNotApprovedAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateJanuary12027Member" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateJanuary12027Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateJanuary12028Member" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateJanuary12028Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateYear2027Member" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateYear2027Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateYear2028Member" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateYear2028Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateYear2029Member" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateYear2029Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesProjectedInfrastructureFilingsAmount" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesProjectedInfrastructureFilingsAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesNonEquityRatioPercentage" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesNonEquityRatioPercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsRevenuePartialSettlementAmount" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsRevenuePartialSettlementAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsRevenueRevisedRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsRevenueRevisedRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsRevenuePartialSettlementIncreaseDecreaseAmount" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesGeneralRateCaseAuthorizationsRevenuePartialSettlementIncreaseDecreaseAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateAugust152026Member" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateAugust152026Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateMarch12026Member" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityAuthorizationEffectiveDateMarch12026Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesInfrastructureSurchargeAuthorizations" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesInfrastructureSurchargeAuthorizations" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesInfrastructureSurchargeAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesRequestedAmount" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesInfrastructureSurchargeAnnualizedIncrementalRevenuesRequestedAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_CorporateAndReconcilingItemsMember" abstract="true" name="CorporateAndReconcilingItemsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_ResidentialMember" abstract="true" name="ResidentialMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_CommercialMember" abstract="true" name="CommercialMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_FireServiceMember" abstract="true" name="FireServiceMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_IndustrialMember" abstract="true" name="IndustrialMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicandOtherMember" abstract="true" name="PublicandOtherMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_WaterServicesMember" abstract="true" name="WaterServicesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_WastewaterServicesMember" abstract="true" name="WastewaterServicesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_MiscellaneousUtilityChargeMember" abstract="true" name="MiscellaneousUtilityChargeMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_RegulatedBusinessMember" abstract="true" name="RegulatedBusinessMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_AlternativeRevenuePrograms" abstract="false" name="AlternativeRevenuePrograms" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognizedIncludingAdditionsNet" abstract="false" name="ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognizedIncludingAdditionsNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_U.S.GovernmentMember" abstract="true" name="U.S.GovernmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_MunicipalitiesandCommercialMember" abstract="true" name="MunicipalitiesandCommercialMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_EssentialUtilitiesInc.Member" abstract="true" name="EssentialUtilitiesInc.Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_HomeownerServicesGroupMember" abstract="true" name="HomeownerServicesGroupMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_SecuredSellerPromissoryNoteMember" abstract="true" name="SecuredSellerPromissoryNoteMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_MergerTransactionShareExchangeRatio" abstract="false" name="MergerTransactionShareExchangeRatio" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferred" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferred" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionNumberOfCustomersInService" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionNumberOfCustomersInService" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionNumberOfEmployees" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionNumberOfEmployees" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_NumberOfAssetsAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisition" abstract="false" name="NumberOfAssetsAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisition" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAssets" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAssets" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionLiabilities" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionLiabilities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_NumberOfAcquisitionsAccountedForAsBusinessCombination" abstract="false" name="NumberOfAcquisitionsAccountedForAsBusinessCombination" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_NexusWaterGroupInc.Member" abstract="true" name="NexusWaterGroupInc.Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_BusinessCombinationRecognizedAssetAcquiredUnbilledRevenues" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedAssetAcquiredUnbilledRevenues" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_BusinessCombinationRecognizedAssetAcquiredRegulatoryAssets" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedAssetAcquiredRegulatoryAssets" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedAccruedTaxes" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedAccruedTaxes" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedRegulatoryLiabilities" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedRegulatoryLiabilities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedContributionsInAidOfConstruction" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedContributionsInAidOfConstruction" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_StockholdersEquityTable" abstract="true" name="StockholdersEquityTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_ForwardSaleAgreementsMember" abstract="true" name="ForwardSaleAgreementsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_StockholdersEquityLineItems" abstract="true" name="StockholdersEquityLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_SeniorNote4.625Due2029Member" abstract="true" name="SeniorNote4.625Due2029Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_ExchangeableSeniorNote3625Due2026Member" abstract="true" name="ExchangeableSeniorNote3625Due2026Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_SeniorNote5.200Due2036Member" abstract="true" name="SeniorNote5.200Due2036Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PrivateActivityBondsAndGovernmentFundedDebtMember" abstract="true" name="PrivateActivityBondsAndGovernmentFundedDebtMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_VariousDebtMaturingIn2026Through2061Member" abstract="true" name="VariousDebtMaturingIn2026Through2061Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_ExchangeableNotesMember" abstract="true" name="ExchangeableNotesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_AmericanWaterCapitalCorpAWCCMember" abstract="true" name="AmericanWaterCapitalCorpAWCCMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_TreasuryLockAgreementsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" abstract="true" name="TreasuryLockAgreementsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_TreasuryLockAgreementsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentTerminatedTransaction1Member" abstract="true" name="TreasuryLockAgreementsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentTerminatedTransaction1Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_TreasuryLockAgreementsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentTerminatedTransaction2Member" abstract="true" name="TreasuryLockAgreementsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentTerminatedTransaction2Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_TreasuryLockAgreementsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentTerminatedMember" abstract="true" name="TreasuryLockAgreementsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentTerminatedMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_GainLossFromTerminationOfDerivativeInstruments" abstract="false" name="GainLossFromTerminationOfDerivativeInstruments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_DebtInstrumentAmoritazationPeriod" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentAmoritazationPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_IneffectivenessRecognizedOnHedgeInstruments" abstract="false" name="IneffectivenessRecognizedOnHedgeInstruments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureIncreaseLimit" abstract="false" name="LineOfCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureIncreaseLimit" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_CommercialPaperOutstanding" abstract="false" name="CommercialPaperOutstanding" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_CommercialPaperMaximumBorrowingCapacity" abstract="false" name="CommercialPaperMaximumBorrowingCapacity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_CommercialPaperAndLineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" abstract="false" name="CommercialPaperAndLineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_CommercialPaperAndLineOfCreditFacilityOutstanding" abstract="false" name="CommercialPaperAndLineOfCreditFacilityOutstanding" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_CommercialPaperRemainingBorrowingCapacity" abstract="false" name="CommercialPaperRemainingBorrowingCapacity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_CommercialPaperAndLineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" abstract="false" name="CommercialPaperAndLineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermDebtLiquidity" abstract="false" name="CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermDebtLiquidity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreaseDecreaseInInterest" abstract="false" name="UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreaseDecreaseInInterest" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" abstract="true" name="CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_DunbarMember" abstract="true" name="DunbarMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_MontereyMember" abstract="true" name="MontereyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_WestVirginiaAmericanWaterCompanyMember" abstract="true" name="WestVirginiaAmericanWaterCompanyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_MountaineerGasCompanyMember" abstract="true" name="MountaineerGasCompanyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_MountaineerGasCompanyAndWestVirginiaAmericanWaterCompanyMember" abstract="true" name="MountaineerGasCompanyAndWestVirginiaAmericanWaterCompanyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_CaliforniaAmericanWaterCompanyMember" abstract="true" name="CaliforniaAmericanWaterCompanyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicServiceCommissionOfWestVirginiaMember" abstract="true" name="PublicServiceCommissionOfWestVirginiaMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_StateWaterResourcesControlBoardMember" abstract="true" name="StateWaterResourcesControlBoardMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" abstract="true" name="CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LossContingencyEstimateOfTheFutureContribution" abstract="false" name="LossContingencyEstimateOfTheFutureContribution" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LossContingencyAccrualNetOfTax" abstract="false" name="LossContingencyAccrualNetOfTax" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_NumberOfCustomersForWhomAPrecautionaryBoilWaterAdvisoryWasIssuedTo" abstract="false" name="NumberOfCustomersForWhomAPrecautionaryBoilWaterAdvisoryWasIssuedTo" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_NumberOfCustomerServing" abstract="false" name="NumberOfCustomerServing" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_NumberOfCustomerAffectedByLossOfNaturalGasService" abstract="false" name="NumberOfCustomerAffectedByLossOfNaturalGasService" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LossContingencyNaturalGasOutageInconveniencePerHouseholdAmount" abstract="false" name="LossContingencyNaturalGasOutageInconveniencePerHouseholdAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_NumberOfCustomersWhoCompletedClaimProcess" abstract="false" name="NumberOfCustomersWhoCompletedClaimProcess" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LossContingencyNaturalGasOutageInconveniencePerHouseholdAverageAmountPaid" abstract="false" name="LossContingencyNaturalGasOutageInconveniencePerHouseholdAverageAmountPaid" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumberOfAnswersProvidedFor" abstract="false" name="LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumberOfAnswersProvidedFor" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LossContingencyEstimatedReasonablyPossibleLossAmount" abstract="false" name="LossContingencyEstimatedReasonablyPossibleLossAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_NumberOfFocusedGeneralInvestigations" abstract="false" name="NumberOfFocusedGeneralInvestigations" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LossContingencyNumberOfRecommendedOperationalImprovements" abstract="false" name="LossContingencyNumberOfRecommendedOperationalImprovements" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityApprovedRecoveryAmount" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilityApprovedRecoveryAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityApprovedCostEstimates" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilityApprovedCostEstimates" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesAggregateCosts" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesAggregateCosts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstruction" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstruction" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LossContingencyCostCapForProposedFacilities" abstract="false" name="LossContingencyCostCapForProposedFacilities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LossContingencyCostCapForProposedFacilitiesIncrease" abstract="false" name="LossContingencyCostCapForProposedFacilitiesIncrease" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityDailyProductionNumberOfGallonsRelatedToDesalinatedWater" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilityDailyProductionNumberOfGallonsRelatedToDesalinatedWater" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:volumeItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PublicUtilityInitialDailyProductionNumberOfGallonsRelatedToDesalinatedWater" abstract="false" name="PublicUtilityInitialDailyProductionNumberOfGallonsRelatedToDesalinatedWater" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:volumeItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_NumberOfSubsurfaceSlantWells" abstract="false" name="NumberOfSubsurfaceSlantWells" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LossContingencyNumberOfAgreementsVoid" abstract="false" name="LossContingencyNumberOfAgreementsVoid" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LossContingencyNumberOfAgreements" abstract="false" name="LossContingencyNumberOfAgreements" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LossContingencyNumberOfAgreementsValid" abstract="false" name="LossContingencyNumberOfAgreementsValid" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PotentialCondemnationAssetValue" abstract="false" name="PotentialCondemnationAssetValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PotentialCondemnationParcelsOfLand" abstract="false" name="PotentialCondemnationParcelsOfLand" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PotentialCondemnationNumberOfStatutoryStandardsIncorrectlyAppliedByAgency" abstract="false" name="PotentialCondemnationNumberOfStatutoryStandardsIncorrectlyAppliedByAgency" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PotentialCondemnationOfferRejectionAmount" abstract="false" name="PotentialCondemnationOfferRejectionAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyBenefitToCustomerRegulatoryApprovalNumberOfUtilitySubsidiaries" abstract="false" name="LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyBenefitToCustomerRegulatoryApprovalNumberOfUtilitySubsidiaries" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyBenefitToCustomerRegulatoryApprovalNumberOfApprovedApplications" abstract="false" name="LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyBenefitToCustomerRegulatoryApprovalNumberOfApprovedApplications" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyBenefitToCustomerRegulatoryApprovalNumberOfDeniedApplications" abstract="false" name="LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyBenefitToCustomerRegulatoryApprovalNumberOfDeniedApplications" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyBenefitToCustomerRegulatoryApprovalNumberOfRemainsPending" abstract="false" name="LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyBenefitToCustomerRegulatoryApprovalNumberOfRemainsPending" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyEscrow" abstract="false" name="LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyEscrow" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyEscrowTotalRegulatoryLiabilities" abstract="false" name="LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyEscrowTotalRegulatoryLiabilities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyEscrowTransfers" abstract="false" name="LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherPartyEscrowTransfers" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" abstract="false" name="OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_PreferredStocksWithMandatoryRedemptionRequirementsCarryingAmount" abstract="false" name="PreferredStocksWithMandatoryRedemptionRequirementsCarryingAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_RabbiTrustInvestments" abstract="false" name="RabbiTrustInvestments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_DepositAssetsFairValueDisclosure" abstract="false" name="DepositAssetsFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_UtilityPlantMember" abstract="true" name="UtilityPlantMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_OperatingandMaintenanceAgreementMember" abstract="true" name="OperatingandMaintenanceAgreementMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" abstract="false" name="LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LesseeOperatingAndFinancingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" abstract="false" name="LesseeOperatingAndFinancingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LesseeOperatingAndFinancingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearOne" abstract="false" name="LesseeOperatingAndFinancingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearOne" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LesseeOperatingAndFinancingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" abstract="false" name="LesseeOperatingAndFinancingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LesseeOperatingAndFinancingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" abstract="false" name="LesseeOperatingAndFinancingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LesseeOperatingAndFinancingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" abstract="false" name="LesseeOperatingAndFinancingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LesseeOperatingAndFinancingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour" abstract="false" name="LesseeOperatingAndFinancingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="awk_LesseeOperatingandFinancingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" abstract="false" name="LesseeOperatingandFinancingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
</xs:schema>
