Indiana American Water Marks Annual Source Water Protection Week

Protecting sources like rivers, lakes, and groundwater serves as the primary barrier against contamination, according to Barry Suits, president of Indiana American Water. By preventing pollution at its origin, the utility aims to mitigate risks to supply quality while simultaneously curbing treatment expenses. The company currently partners with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, local governments, and conservation districts to implement watershed management plans for the Upper White River and the Upper East Fork Whitewater River. These initiatives focus on securing restoration funding and advancing agricultural practices that reduce nutrient runoff.

Beyond collaborative watershed management, the utility maintains rigorous internal standards, performing nearly one million tests annually across its research laboratories. Alisha Cornwell, the company's source water protection program manager, emphasized that safeguarding these resources requires consistent community engagement. To support these efforts, the utility is urging residents to adopt sustainable habits, such as utilizing permeable landscaping, disposing of pharmaceuticals at designated collection sites rather than flushing them, and ensuring that hazardous materials like motor oil and paints are taken to professional disposal facilities.