Illinois American Water Emphasizes the Importance of Source Water Protection During Annual Recognition Week

Residents are encouraged to limit runoff pollution and use collection sites for pharmaceuticals and hazardous waste.

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Illinois American Water (AWK) outlined its source water protection practices ahead of Source Water Protection Week, September 27 to October 3, 2026.

American Water's Central Laboratory in Belleville handles approximately 275 samples per day. The company's protection efforts include updated cyanotoxin management plans and coordination with environmental agencies on water quality. Illinois American Water relies on sources including the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, the Vermillion River headwaters and the Mahomet Aquifer. It also participates in emergency planning and spill-response partnerships, including the Upper Mississippi River Spills Group.

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BELLEVILLE, Ill., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of the American Water Works Association annual Source Water Protection Week (September 27 to October 3), Illinois American Water is highlighting its commitment to providing customers with safe, clean, reliable water services, starting at the source.  

"During the annual Source Water Protection Week, we are reminded that high-quality drinking water does not originate in a treatment plant," said Rebecca Losli, President, Illinois American Water. "It begins miles upstream, in the shared landscapes and water sources that sustain Illinois communities."

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. Keeping rivers, lakes, and groundwater free from pollution reduces potential risks that could negatively impact the water supply and keeps treatment costs down.

The company's source water protection efforts include:

• Handling approximately 275 samples per day at American Water's Central Laboratory based in Belleville, IL.
• Application of the most advanced technology, equipment, and filtration processes, including updated cyanotoxin management plans.
• Constant collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Illinois EPA 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.
• Participation in emergency planning and spill response partnerships, including the Upper Mississippi River Spills Group and local emergency planning committees in St. Clair, Madison and Peoria area communities to strengthen communication and coordination when an incident may occur.

Illinois American Water relies on water sources such as the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, the Vermillion River headwaters, and groundwater resources, including the Mahomet Aquifer. The company's Senior Source Water Protection Program Manager, Ted Kratschmer, helps ensure the quality and availability of water resources for the company's communities. "Source water protection at Illinois American Water is not just a plan sitting on a shelf. We take a proactive approach, engaging in regional efforts to help protect and improve our drinking water sources and raising awareness on how we all play a role in safeguarding our water," said Kratschmer.

Kratschmer encourages individuals to incorporate the following actions into practice: 

• Plant landscaping around homes or businesses with more permeable surfaces, such as mulch, which allows 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. 

Learn more about how water is treated and how it makes it to your tap here.  

Read more about how American Water strengthens operational readiness, uses technology to stay ahead of water quality challenges, builds stronger communities through partnership and prepares for emerging issues through recent case studies in states across our service areas here.

About American Water  
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.  

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. 

About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 600 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

 

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SOURCE American Water

FAQ

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How can residents help protect water sources used by Illinois American Water?

Residents can keep litter, pet waste and yard waste out of streets and storm drains, and avoid applying plant chemicals immediately before rain. They can take pharmaceuticals to collection sites where available and use hazardous waste services for items such as paint, motor oil and batteries.