Iowa American Water Highlights the Role of Source Water Protection in Providing High-Quality Water

DAVENPORT, Iowa, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of American Water Works Association's Annual Source Water Protection Week (September 27 to October 3), Iowa 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 Brad Nielsen, Iowa 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.

Iowa American Water's source water protection efforts include:

• Robust monitoring systems and application of the most advanced technology, equipment and filtration processes.
• Continued work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other state and local agencies to meet or surpass water quality standards and address emerging contaminants.
• Constant collaboration with local emergency management and industry leaders to ensure emergency response plans are in place to minimize potential impacts to our water sources.
• Working with water experts and utilities across the country to share ideas and best practices to protect drinking water in Iowa.

One example of source water protection in action is how Iowa American Water prepares for and responds to harmful algae blooms. These blooms can develop seasonally in rivers and may affect water quality if they are not addressed. Although they have historically been uncommon in the Mississippi River, Iowa American Water has identified several in recent years through routine monitoring at its Davenport water treatment plant. Because trained employees and response plans are already in place, the company can quickly adjust treatment as needed and continue providing customers with safe, high-quality water.

Additionally, American Water conducts nearly 1 million tests and measurements each year at the company's state-of-the-art research laboratories.

"Source water protection is a year-round effort that requires community collaboration," said Ted Kratschmer, Iowa American Water Source Water Protection Program Manager. "Source water protection at Iowa American Water is not just a plan sitting on a shelf. We take a proactive approach, engaging in regional efforts to help protect and improve our drinking water sources; however, we all play a role in safeguarding our water."

During Source Water Protection Week, Iowa 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.

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.

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 Iowa American Water
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 90 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 225,000 people.

SOURCE American Water