Maryland American Water Reiterates Commitment to Environmental Stewardship by Participating in Source Water Protection Week
Maryland American Water uses Source Water Protection Week to spotlight its risk-based program and promote everyday actions that help safeguard drinking water.
Rhea-AI Summary
Maryland American Water (AWK) is participating in the American Water Works Association’s Source Water Protection Week from September 27 to October 3, 2026, emphasizing the theme “Protect the Source” and its commitment to safe, clean, reliable drinking water.
The company outlines its Source Water Protection Program, which includes nearly 1 million tests and measurements annually at American Water research laboratories, use of advanced treatment technologies, and collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies to meet or surpass water quality standards and address emerging contaminants. Maryland American Water also urges individuals to adopt everyday practices such as reducing chemical use, preventing litter and pet waste from entering storm drains, choosing less toxic household products, and properly disposing of pharmaceuticals and hazardous materials.
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Protecting our rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and aquifers is critical to delivering high-quality drinking water
"Protecting our source water is the first step in providing safe, clean, reliable drinking water," said Laura Runkle, President, Maryland American Water. "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.
"While we celebrate Source Water Protection week each year, protecting our water resources is really about the choices we make every day," said Thalika Hollingsworth, Source Water Protection Program Manager, Maryland American Water. "From the actions we take in our communities to the work we do as part of our daily operations, we all play a role in protecting and improving drinking water sources for future generations."
During Source Water Protection Week, Maryland 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.
Learn more about how water is treated and how it makes it to your tap here.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in
About Maryland American Water
Maryland American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides safe, clean, reliable and affordable water services to approximately 32,000 people. For more information, visit www.amwater.com/mdaw/ and join Maryland American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.
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SOURCE American Water
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What is Source Water Protection Week and when does it take place?
Source Water Protection Week is an annual event organized by the American Water Works Association to raise awareness about protecting rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and aquifers that supply drinking water. In 2026, it runs from September 27 to October 3 and uses the theme “Protect the Source.”
What actions does Maryland American Water recommend individuals take to help protect drinking water sources?
Maryland American Water encourages people to: use more permeable landscaping such as mulch; avoid over-applying chemicals and not apply them right before rain; keep litter, pet waste, and yard waste out of streets and storm drains; choose non-toxic or less toxic household products; dispose of pharmaceuticals at collection sites instead of flushing; use hazardous waste collection services for chemicals, paints, motor oil, and batteries; and report hazardous spills, illegal dumping, or suspicious activity to local or state authorities.
How does American Water’s Source Water Protection Program help safeguard drinking water?
The Source Water Protection Program provides a structured framework for assessing risks, engaging stakeholders, and implementing proactive measures. Its efforts include conducting nearly 1 million tests and measurements each year at American Water research laboratories, applying advanced technology, equipment, and filtration processes, and working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state and local agencies to meet or surpass water quality standards and address emerging contaminants.