Source water protection has always been an area of concern for drinking water utilities. Contaminants that are prevented from entering source waters do not have to be taken back out at the treatment plant, often resulting in significant financial savings. However, the past year has brought the importance of source water protection to much greater prominence for water customers and the general public as events in Toledo, Ohio and West Virginia made national headlines. In light of these events, AMWA and the water community at large have been presented an important opportunity to make additional progress towards source water protection goals as broader attention is focused on the issue.
On December 8, the Source Water Collaborative (SWC) issued a “Call to Action” for all vested stakeholders to reemphasize efforts undertaken to protect drinking water sources. Water utilities are urged to work closely with federal, state and local agencies and other interested organizations to build relationships (or expand existing relationships) necessary to make greater progress in defending water sources from a variety of threats. Specific suggestions for action include updating source water assessments to reflect the latest data and tools available and establishing the relationships and mechanisms necessary to act quickly and efficiently when faced with an emergency contamination threat. The full Call to Action document is posted on AMWA’s Water Quality Protection advocacy page.
AMWA will continue to work with the SWC, member utilities and other water industry partners to continue the Call to Action campaign throughout 2015.