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Pennsylvania American Water Champions Source Water Protection Week

Commitment to Water Quality

From September 27 to October 3, Pennsylvania American Water celebrated the American Water Works Association's (AWWA) Annual Source Water Protection Week. This initiative is crucial as it highlights the company's ongoing commitment to ensuring that millions of residents receive clean, safe, and reliable drinking water. As Justin Ladner, President of Pennsylvania American Water, stated, "Protecting our source water is the first step in providing safe, clean, reliable drinking water." The dedication to keeping rivers, lakes, and groundwater free from pollution not only mitigates potential risks that could affect water supply but also minimizes treatment costs.

Proactive Measures and Community Engagement

Pennsylvania American Water has implemented a robust Source Water Protection Program aimed at assessing risks and proactively safeguarding drinking water supplies. This program encompasses several key activities:

• - Conducting nearly 1 million tests and measurements annually at state-of-the-art research laboratories.
• - Utilizing the latest technology and filtration processes to treat water effectively.
• - Engaging in ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and local agencies to meet or exceed water quality standards. This collaboration includes addressing emerging contaminants that could impact water quality.

Kristi English, the Source Water Protection Program Manager at Pennsylvania American Water, emphasized, "Source water protection is a year-round effort that requires community collaboration. We all play a role in protecting and improving drinking water sources." This collaborative approach is critical in ensuring that the water supply remains safe for all.

Community Responsibilities During Source Water Protection Week

As part of the observance of Source Water Protection Week, Pennsylvania American Water encourages individuals and communities to adopt best practices that help protect drinking water sources throughout the year. Here are some actionable steps:

• - Landscaping: Incorporate permeable surfaces such as mulch in landscaping around homes or businesses to facilitate groundwater absorption.
• - Chemical Use: Avoid over-applying chemicals to plants and refrain from application just before rainfall, which can lead to runoff contamination.
• - Waste Management: Properly manage litter, pet waste, and yard debris to prevent them from entering streets and storm drains, as pet waste can introduce harmful bacteria into waterways.
• - Cleaning Agents: Select non-toxic or less toxic household products to minimize environmental impact.
• - Pharmaceutical Disposal: Dispose of unused medications at collection sites rather than flushing them down the toilet.
• - Hazardous Waste Management: Use designated collection sites for hazardous materials and promptly report any spills or illegal dumping activities to local authorities.

Continuous Improvement and Transparency

Pennsylvania American Water continues to be transparent about its methods and achievements in water treatment. Their commitment to community engagement can be explored through a selection of recent case studies that demonstrate how they address water quality challenges across service areas. These studies cover operational readiness, technological advancements, and partnership initiatives to build strong communities.

About Pennsylvania American Water

A subsidiary of American Water, Pennsylvania American Water is the state’s largest regulated water utility, serving approximately 2.5 million people and employing about 1,200 dedicated professionals. With a storied history stretching back to 1886, the company is committed to providing safe, clean, and affordable water and wastewater services, leveraging its national scale for the benefit of customers and stakeholders alike. The company values community partnerships and seeks to elevate awareness about source water protection, ensuring that families enjoy the essential resource of clean drinking water now and in the future.

For more information on how water treatment works and best practices for maintaining clean water, community members are encouraged to visit the Pennsylvania American Water website.