California American Water Participates in Source Water Protection Week

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of American Water Works Association's Annual Source Water Protection Week (September 27 to October 3), California American Water is highlighting its commitment to providing customers with safe, clean, reliable water service and protecting the watersheds, groundwater basins and source waters that communities depend on, including the Bass Lake area in Madera County.  

"Protecting our source water is the first step in providing safe, clean, reliable drinking water," said Sarah Leeper, California American Water President. "From mountain communities like Bass Lake to the many other regions we serve across California, safeguarding our water sources helps ensure high-quality drinking water today and for future generations." 

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.

In the Bass Lake area, protecting source water is critical to preserving water quality and maintaining a reliable water supply for customers and the surrounding community. California American Water supports source water protection through watershed awareness, collaboration with local stakeholders and ongoing monitoring efforts designed to identify and address potential risks before they impact drinking water quality.

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 Sean Quinn, American Water Source Water Protection Program Manager. "Residents, visitors, businesses and community partners all play an important role in protecting the lakes, streams and groundwater resources that support drinking water supplies throughout California." 

For seasonal and year-round residents in the Bass Lake area, simple actions such as proper disposal of household chemicals, picking up pet waste and preventing runoff into nearby waterways can help protect local water resources.

During Source Water Protection Week, California 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 California American Water
California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, with approximately 300 dedicated employees, provides safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 720,000 people.

SOURCE American Water