Division of Water to Participate in Source Water Protection Week

Frankfort, KY – Next week, September 27 – October 3 marks Source Water Protection Week. Established in 2021 by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), Source Water Protection Week is an opportunity to recognize and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the water sources that supply our drinking water.  

More than four million Kentuckians rely on surface water for their daily drinking water needs,. while about 1.5 million depend on groundwater sources.  Every dollar spent on source water protection results in an estimated $27 savings in water treatment costs, making protection both an environmental and economic priority.  

Throughout the week, partners for water health will be raising awareness. The Kentucky Division of Water’s (DOW) Source Water Protection Week website (bit.ly/SWPWeek) will share information about the importance of source water and will be using social media to highlight state specific tools you can use to protect water resources. Be sure to follow the hashtags #SourceWaterProtectionWeek and #ProtectTheSource. 

Ways to Protect and Participate in Source Water Protection: 

• Organize or participate in volunteer activities like watershed cleanups, storm drain stenciling, tree planting, or habitat restoration by connecting with local watershed and conservation organizations to collaborate on protection efforts. 

• Hold creative contests for kids, such as poster, photo, or essay competitions about source water protection. 

• Report spills, illegal dumping, or suspicious activity to authorities. 

• Safely manage household hazardous waste—buy only what you need, donate or recycle unused portions, and dispose of leftovers responsibly. Find local locations at www.earth911.com or call 1-800-CLEANUP. 

• Always clean up after yourself and your pets to prevent water pollution. 

• Conserve water by fixing leaks, installing efficient devices, and running full loads of laundry or dishes. 

• Limit use of fertilizers and pesticides or choose natural alternatives. 

• Maintain your septic system with professional inspections and regular pumping. 

Water utilities are uniquely positioned to lead by example—by promoting public education, hosting watershed tours, collaborating on community cleanups, and sharing resources with customers, utilities can inspire and empower their communities to take action. Your involvement amplifies these efforts and helps ensure a safe, reliable water supply for all. 

DOW’s Source Water Protection Program helps communities develop source water protection plans and implement strategies for source water protection through funding, partnerships, and public education. More information about Source Water Protection is available on AWWA’s resource page and at the Source Water Collaborative Learning Exchange.  

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