Virginia American Water Reiterates Commitment to Environmental Stewardship by Participating in Source Water Protection Week

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

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of the American Water Works Association's (AWWA) Annual Source Water Protection Week (September 27 to October 3), Virginia 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, Virginia 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.

"Source water protection is not something we focus on just one week out of the year. It's built into our daily operations" said Thalika Hollingsworth, Source Water Protection Program Manager, Virginia American Water. "Protecting our drinking water sources requires community collaboration. We all play a role in safeguarding these vital resources for generations to come." 

During Source Water Protection Week, Virginia 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 Virginia American Water

Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water company in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 384,000 people. For more information, visit www.virginiaamwater.com and join Virginia American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

SOURCE American Water