Bel Air, Md. – September 19, 2026 -- Maryland American Water conducts nearly 1 million tests and measurements annually at American Water's state-of-the-art research laboratories as part of a structured Source Water Protection Program safeguarding rivers, lakes, reservoirs and aquifers.
Utility ties testing regime to AWWA's Source Water Protection Week, September 27 to October 3
The company is highlighting its year-round monitoring and treatment operations ahead of the American Water Works Association's annual observance, themed "Protect the Source" in 2026. Maryland American Water serves approximately 32,000 people as a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK).
Company deploys advanced filtration and works with EPA on emerging contaminants
Maryland American Water applies advanced filtration technology and equipment while collaborating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state and local agencies to meet or exceed water quality standards. Laura Runkle, President of Maryland American Water, said protecting source water reduces risks to supply and keeps treatment costs down.
Program manager frames pollution prevention as a daily operational and community responsibility
Thalika Hollingsworth, the utility's Source Water Protection Program Manager, said protecting water resources depends on daily choices rather than a single awareness week. Maryland American Water is urging year-round practices including reduced chemical runoff, proper pet waste disposal, permeable landscaping, and use of hazardous waste collection sites for chemicals, paints, motor oil and batteries.
Parent company operates across 14 states, serving roughly 14 million people
American Water, marking 140 years of operation in 2026 since its founding in 1886, is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States, with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations, and approximately 7,000 employees.