U.S. House introduces bipartisan resolution to establish National Source Water Protection Week

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – A bipartisan group of dedicated lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a resolution last week aimed at designating the week beginning Sept. 24, 2023, as National Source Water Protection Week. Spearheaded by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD), this resolution underscores the critical importance of ensuring a resilient supply of safe drinking water for the well-being and prosperity of our nation.

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and many partners celebrated the first Source Water Protection Week in September 2021. Continuing that tradition this year, many water utilities, advocates, agricultural groups and others are hosting events, posting social media messages and issuing proclamations.

Source Water Protection Week information and celebration materials are available on AWWA’s Source Water Protection Week page.

“We commend Representatives Miller-Meeks and Sarbanes, as well as their bipartisan colleagues, for introducing this resolution to establish National Source Water Protection Week,” said David LaFrance, AWWA CEO. “Protecting our nation’s drinking water sources is paramount, and this week serves as a vital reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard these resources. AWWA stands alongside them in this important effort and is committed to working with partners nationwide to ensure a resilient and reliable supply of clean drinking water for all.”

The resolution “supports the protection of source water for public health and economic prosperity; recognizes the central role of water in sustaining life and supports innovative ways to conserve, protect, and restore the Nation’s drinking water sources; supports collaboration at the local, State, and Federal levels to achieve greater awareness, education, and engagement to protect and enhance drinking water supplies; and supports investments for more resilient and reliable drinking water sources, both ground and surface water, to better withstand the impacts of extreme floods and droughts.”

“In Maryland, clean water is essential to our public health, ecosystem, culture and economy,” said Sarbanes. “I am proud to join Congresswoman Miller-Meeks in introducing a resolution to designate the week of September 24, 2023, as National Source Water Protection Week to promote stewardship and conservation of America’s rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs and springs, which provide drinking water to our communities. I remain committed to protecting the health of our water resources and ensuring every individual has access to clean drinking water.”

“As a representative of a largely rural district, I know how critical it is for men, women and children to have access to safe drinking water, especially in rural Iowa,” said Miller-Meeks. “I am proud to introduce the National Source Water Protection Week resolution with Representative John Sarbanes, and I encourage my colleagues to take time this week to appreciate clean drinking water and all the work we’ve done to ensure a resilient, safe supply of drinking water for generations to come.”

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Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most vital resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.