Join BSU in celebrating “Source Water Protection Week” during the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2026. Throughout the week, we will be raising awareness about the importance of caring for our precious drinking water sources on our social media channels.
What is source water?
Source water is a raw, untreated supply of water – typically surface water or groundwater – used for current or potential future drinking water.
What is source water protection?
Source water protection is a proactive approach to safeguarding, maintaining, or improving the quality and/or quantity of drinking water sources and their contributing areas.
Why is source water protection important?
BSU relies on sustainable sources of water that can be treated to provide reliable, high-quality drinking water to our members. Source water protection is the first of several barriers to ensure safe drinking water, followed by other components of a multi-barrier approach that includes effective water treatment, secure distribution systems, and monitoring and evaluation.
Source water protection provides many benefits, including public health protection and watershed improvements. It involves identifying potential threats to drinking water, assessing the risk associated with those threats, and establishing proactive measures that can help address them.
What can I do to help protect our source water?
- Manage household hazardous waste properly (cleaners, paints, vehicle fluids, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) – Only purchase what you need. Donate unused portions to friends or community organizations. Recycle leftovers when possible. To find recycling/disposal locations visit www.earth911.com.
- Avoid dumping – Never put anything down the sink, toilet or storm drain as it can end up in drinking water sources. Dispose of cleaners, medicines, oil/grease, etc. properly.
- Clean up – Pick up after yourself and your pets. Use trash receptacles and recycle whenever possible. Pet waste can enter storm drains and spread bacteria.
- Use alternative products – Avoid using products that may contain harmful materials such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); use cast iron or stainless-steel pots and pans instead of non-stick pots and pans.
- Find your source – Identify your source of water and check where you live and work relative to source water areas.
- Limit use of fertilizers and pesticides – Reduce the number of materials used on your lawn or consider natural alternatives.
- Participate in volunteer activities – Attend events such as removing invasive plants and replanting natives, stormwater drain stenciling, rain barrel workshops, litter cleanups, etc. Watershed groups are often familiar with upcoming local events.
- If you see something, say something – Report any spills, illegal dumping, or suspicious activity to authorities.
