Protecting New Jersey's Rivers, Reservoirs and Watersheds Starts at the Source

In recognition of American Water Works Association's (AWWA) annual Source Water Protection Week, Sept. 27-Oct. 3, New Jersey American Water is highlighting the importance of protecting the natural resources that provide safe, clean, reliable water to communities across the state.

Source water protection begins upstream, where proactive efforts help identify potential risks, engage stakeholders and reduce threats before they can affect drinking water supplies. Through its source water protection program, New Jersey American Water works with partners across the state to strengthen watershed resilience and help safeguard the water resources communities depend on every day.

New Jersey American Water supports organizations advancing source water protection work through the American Water Charitable Foundation's Water and Environment Grant Program. Earlier this year, the Foundation awarded more than $179,000 to grants to 10 New Jersey organizations advancing projects that directly support cleaner waterways and healthier watersheds.

As part of this year's program, a $35,000 grant to The Watershed Institute is helping expand watershed stewardship and environmental education programs, while a $15,000 grant to the Raritan Headwaters Association supports efforts to better understand how PFAS move throughout the Raritan River watershed. Additional funding awarded to organizations such as the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, Great Swamp Watershed Association and Camden's Charter School Network is helping to restore habitat, monitor water quality, expand environmental education and engage the next generation of environmental stewards. Together, these projects demonstrate how local action can make a lasting impact on water quality and watershed health across the Garden State.

During Source Water Protection Week, New Jersey American Water encourages residents and businesses to incorporate the following practices into their year-round routines:

Plant landscaping around homes or businesses with more permeable surfaces, such as mulch, that allow water to soak into the ground.Do not overapply 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 through collection programs where available rather than flushing them down the toilet.Use hazardous waste collection sites and services to dispose of items such as chemicals, paint, motor oil and batteries.Report hazardous material spills, illegal dumping or suspicious activity to local or state authorities.

American Water's Source Water Protection Program provides a structured framework for assessing risks, engaging stakeholders and implementing proactive measures to help safeguard drinking water supplies. In New Jersey, those efforts include participation in a multi-agency Harmful Algal Bloom Discussion Group.