In recognition of the American Water Works Association‘s (AWWA’s) Annual Source Water Protection Week, observed September 27 to October 3, Pennsylvania American Water is highlighting its commitment to providing customers with safe, clean, reliable water services.
“Protecting our source water is the first step in providing safe, clean, reliable drinking water,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Justin Ladner. “Keeping our rivers, lakes and groundwater free from pollution reduces potential risks that could negatively impact the water supply and keeps treatment costs down.”
American Water’s Source Water Protection Program provides a structured framework for assessing risks, engaging stakeholders and implementing proactive measures to safeguard drinking water supplies.
The company’s source water protection efforts include:
- Conducting nearly 1 million tests and measurements each year at American Water state-of-the-art research laboratories.
- Application of the most advanced technology, equipment and filtration processes.
- Constant collaborative work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other state and local agencies to meet or surpass water quality standards and address emerging contaminants so that potential impacts to water quality are minimized.
“Source water protection is a year-round effort that requires community collaboration,” said Pennsylvania American Water Source Water Protection Program Manager Kristi English. “We all play a role in protecting and improving drinking water sources.”
During Source Water Protection Week, Pennsylvania American Water is encouraging individuals to take the following actions and incorporate them into their year-round practices:
- Plant landscaping around homes or businesses with more permeable surfaces, such as mulch, that allow water to soak into the ground.
- Do not over-apply chemicals to plants and avoid application immediately before it rains.
- Keep litter, pet waste and yard waste out of streets and storm drains. Pet waste contains bacteria that can find its way into waterways through runoff.
- Select non-toxic or less toxic alternatives to typical household products, such as cleaning agents.
- Dispose of pharmaceuticals by taking them to collection sites, where available. Don’t flush them down the toilet!
- Use hazardous waste collection sites and services to dispose of items such as chemicals, paints, motor oil and batteries. Report any hazardous material spills, illegal dumping or suspicious activity to local or state authorities.
