Illinois American Water Participates in American Water Works Association’s Fourth Annual Source Water Protection Week

 

[September 30, 2024] 

Illinois American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in Illinois, 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 pollution, it’s easier and less expensive to keep this vital resource safe and healthy," said Brian Eisenloeffel, Vice President of Operations for Illinois American Water. "During Source Water Protection Week and all year long, Illinois American Water educates employees and customers across our footprint about the steps we take to provide safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers."

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

• Conducting thousands of tests and measurements each year at the American Water state-of-the-art research laboratory located in Belleville, Illinois.

• 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.

• Implementation of green technology whenever possible that protect our precious resources.

During Source Water Protection Week, Illinois American Water encourages 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 Illinois 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

About Illinois American Water

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.4 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

[Text received from Anna Kubas]