Protecting safe, reliable drinking water begins long before water reaches a treatment plant.

It starts upstream, in the rivers, lakes, reservoirs and watersheds that supply communities with the water they depend on every day.

High-quality, safe drinking water starts at the source.

During Source Water Protection Week (Sept. 27-Oct. 3), American Water educates employees, customers and the community about the steps we can all take to protect source water.

Across the United States, municipal leaders face a common challenge: balancing aging infrastructure needs with growing demands for public services, economic development, public safety and recreation.

For many communities, partnering with a regulated water and wastewater provider has become a strategic tool for addressing those competing priorities.