Maryland American Water Participates in American Water Works Associati...

Bel Air, MD - September 30, 2024 - Maryland American Water, today announced its participation in American Water Works Association's ("AWWA") Annual Source Water Protection Week - September 29 - October 5.

"Providing safe, clean, reliable drinking water service at the tap starts with protecting our water sources. By keeping our rivers, lakes and groundwater free from unnecessary pollution, it's easier and less expensive to keep this vital resource safe and healthy," said Barry Suits, President. "During Source Water Protection Week and all year long, Maryland American Water educates our customers and employees about the steps we take toward environmental stewardship and how they can take an active role in protecting their drinking water sources."

American Water is committed to providing high-quality drinking water while also prioritizing source water protection, which includes:

• 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 (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.

During Source Water Protection Week, we encourage 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. Try to limit concrete and asphalt, which contribute to runoff.
• Use native plants that require minimal fertilizer, herbicides and watering.
• Do not over-apply chemicals to plants and avoid application immediately before it rains.
• Plant a rain garden that uses native plants and grasses to capture and absorb rainwater from rooftops and roads. These planned gardens help simplify lawn maintenance, control erosion and reduce runoff into streams and storm water systems.
• 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 American Water and Source Water Protection 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, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,500 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.