Source Water Protection Source water is untreated water from lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, reservoirs, aquifers, and springs that serve as a community’s water source. Protecting these water sources is an easy way to prevent drinking water from becoming polluted by managing possible sources of contamination. How Does Source Water Protection Benefit Me? Public health protection: Reduced threats to public health due to acute or chronic illness from exposure to contaminated water. Economic benefits: Minimizes cost for water treatment, emergency replacement water and finding new supplies. Environmental stewardship: Protection of rural lands, wildlife habitats, recreational areas and water quality of streams and wetlands. How You Can Help Protect Source Water Pick up after your pet. Refrain from swimming in known drinking water sources. Never dump anything in creeks or lakes. If you like boating, only participate in passive boating such as rowing, canoeing or kayaking instead of motorized boating. Compost yard waste and use natural fertilizers. Plant trees along creeks. Check and repair vehicle fluid levels. Properly dispose of household cleaning products, paint, fertilizers, pesticides and expired/unused medications.
