In recognition of American Water Works Association’s Annual Source Water Protection Week (September 27 to October 3), Tennessee 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 Grant Evitts, Tennessee American Water President. “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 thousands of tests 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 the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to meet or surpass water quality standards and address emerging contaminants so that potential impacts to water quality are minimized.
Read more about how 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 states across our service areas here.
“Source water protection is a year-round effort that requires community collaboration,” said Thalika Hollingsworth, Tennessee American Water Source Water Protection Program Manager. “We all play a role in protecting and improving drinking water sources.”
During Source Water Protection Week, Tennessee American Water is encouraging individuals to take the following actions and incorporate them into their year-round program:
Participate in the Tennessee River Rescue – a community-wide river clean-up effort supported by Tennessee American Water – by volunteering at one of more than 20 sites in Hamilton and Marion counties on Saturday, October 3.
Locally:
South Pittsburg Bridge
Shellmound Campground in Jasper
Bridgeport, Al River Park
Boating Tennessee River in South Pittsburg
Contra Switch Rd. to Mt. Calvary Rd. in South Pittsburg
Hales Bar Marina in Guild
Ketner Mill in Whitwell to Inman Rd. in South Pittsburg
Hudlow Rd to Stone Cave Rd. in South Pittsburg
Marion County Park in Jasper
Old York Road to Hudlow Rd. in South Pittsburg
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 unused pharmaceuticals at one of more than 10 collection sites on DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, October 26. 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.
