Indiana American Water Participates in Source Water Protection Week

GREENWOOD, Ind., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of American Water Works Association's Annual Source Water Protection Week (September 27 to October 3), Indiana American Water is highlighting its 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 Barry Suits, Indiana American Water President. "Keeping our rivers, lakes and groundwater free from pollution reduces potential risks that could negatively impact the quality of the water supply and keeps treatment costs down." 

Indiana American Water helps protect drinking water sources through active participation in the Upper White River Watershed Management Plan and Upper East Fork Whitewater River Watershed Plan committees. Working alongside the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, local governments, soil and water conservation districts, and conservation partners, the company helps identify water quality priorities, support watershed protection strategies, advance agricultural best management practices, and secure funding for long-term restoration projects. These collaborative efforts strengthen watershed stewardship and help safeguard reliable water supplies for communities across Indiana.

Indiana American Water's source water protection efforts include:

• Supporting watershed protection and land stewardship projects that help reduce erosion, nutrient runoff, and other potential sources of contamination before they impact water supplies.
• American Water conducts nearly 1 million tests each year at its 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 the Indiana Department of Environmental Management 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.

Read more about how we the company strengthens operational readiness, uses technology to stay ahead of water quality challenges, builds stronger communities through partnership and prepares for emerging issues through recent case studies in Indiana and other states across our service area here.

"Source water protection is a year-round effort that requires community collaboration," said Alisha Cornwell, American Water Source Water Protection Program Manager. "We all play a role in protecting and improving drinking water sources." 

During Source Water Protection Week, Indiana 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 Indiana American Water

Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. 

SOURCE American Water