Every drop of drinking water has a journey.

Before water reaches a treatment plant and eventually flows from your tap, it starts in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, streams or groundwater aquifers. Protecting source water is one of the most effective ways to protect public health and help control the cost of drinking water treatment.

As federal protections for some waterways have changed in recent years, several states are taking action to strengthen protection for the wetlands, streams and freshwater resources that supply drinking water to communities nationwide.

As an example, the state of Colorado established Regulation 87 “to protect wetlands and seasonal streams against harm from unregulated development.” A little farther south in New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed S.B. 21, the Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act, which regulates discharges into waterways that were previously covered by the Clean Water Act.

Source water protection is an integral first part of a water utility’s treatment process. If we keep our rivers, lakes, groundwater wells and other drinking water sources free from pollution, it’s easier and less expensive to keep tap water safe and healthy.

From mountains to farmlands to urban settings, protecting source water happens differently. Many communities’ water supplies begin in forested watersheds, so source water protection relies on maintaining healthy wooded ecosystems. Trees act as natural filters, removing sediment and pollutants that may otherwise make their way into drinking water.

Nutrient runoff, from urban runoff or agricultural processes, presents a significant threat to drinking water sources. Contaminants, such as fertilizers and animal waste can find their way into source waters, sometimes causing harmful algal blooms that require extensive treatment or force a water provider to switch to a different source. This whiteboard animation explains the impact contamination can have on the water supply.

So, during Source Water Protection Week (Sept. 27-Oct. 3), let’s all do our part to help everyone celebrate and recognize the connection between our source water and the water we drink. In doing so, we will not only enjoy lower water bills, but we encourage better health and a cleaner environment.