Protecting our rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and aquifers is critical to delivering high-quality drinking water

BEL AIR, Md., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of the American Water Works Association's (AWWA) Annual Source Water Protection Week (September 27 to October 3), Maryland American Water is drawing on this year's theme to "Protect the Source," and highlighting our 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 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 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 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.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/maryland-american-water-reiterates-commitment-to-environmental-stewardship-by-participating-in-source-water-protection-week-302881049.html

SOURCE American Water