Source Water Protection Week is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting the sources of our drinking water, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater. It highlights the various threats to these water sources and promotes community action and awareness to keep them healthy. Source Water Protection Week is a great opportunity to learn about local water resources and the steps individuals and communities can take to protect them.
The Northeast Mid-Atlantic Partnership for Forests & Water strives to highlight Source Water Protection every week. Our goal is to enhance concerted, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes to improve water quality and quantity in 13 states in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. The forests filter sediments and other pollutants before they reach water sources, providing clean water that is vital to communities and habitats.
Source Water Protection Resources
Check out some of the resources below from the Source Water Collaborative (SWC) to learn more about Source Water Protection!
The Learning Exchange: Includes resources and webinars on different topics such as funding and collaboration, conservation, and forestry.
How to Collaborate Toolkit: This extensive toolkit was developed to help users find ideas, tips, and materials for partners that are considering or involved in a collaborative effort to protect drinking water sources.
Map/Collaboratives Near You: Explore a map of state, watershed, and local collaboratives to find collaboratives near you. Browse the summaries with more information about each collaborative and reach out to their leadership to learn more.
Agricultural Collaboration Toolkit: This toolkit was developed as a result of extensive collaboration between members of the Source Water Collaborative,
the NRCS, and the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). It shares information, meeting materials, and tips for collaborating with USDA NRCS State Conservationists and conservation districts at the state and local levels who provide technical and financial assistance to private landowners for implementing practices to protect and improve soil health and water quality.
How to Work with Land Use Planners and Local Officials: This guide helps users work with land use planners and local officials to incorporate source water protection into local planning and decision-making processes.
How to Use the Clean Water Act (CWA) to Protect Source Water: This interactive infographic provides information on how to engage in implementation of all the different CWA programs.
NEW! Guide for Using CWA Discharge Permits to Protect Drinking Water Sources (May 2024): The guide is designed to provide fundamental information for Public Water Systems (PWSs) and stakeholders to understand and provide meaningful comments on CWA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits that impact drinking water sources. It includes tips, tools, examples, and a template for providing comments on different types of NPDES permits, including permits with discharges that may contain PFAS and other contaminants. Learn more on the SWC website and check out the webinar.
American Water Works Association (AWWA) Source Water Protection Week Graphics and Resources
AWWA’s Source Water Protection homepage includes ready-to-use graphics, logos, and messaging for sharing on social media. AWWA also has links to relevant templates, toolkits, and case studies.
2024 State of the Water Industry Report: AWWA’s annual State of the Water Industry report provides valuable insights into the challenges and priorities facing the water sector. This year’s report, based on a survey of more than 2,400 water professionals conducted in late 2023, highlights key trends and emerging concerns.
Source Water Protection Social Media Posts
Partnership Updates
September 9th Webinar recording now available!
The Partnership offered this webinar as a follow-up to the in-person convening of the Partnership during NACD’s 2024 Summer Conservation Forum & Tours and NACD Northeast Region Meeting. Watch the recording on our new YouTube channel!
Northeast Mid-Atlantic Partnership for Forests & Water Forum, November 20th – 21st
The second in-person Northeast Mid-Atlantic Partnership for Forests & Water Forum will take place November 20th – 21st, 2024 at South Central Connecticut Regional Water in Hamden, Connecticut. Check out our event post for this forum, which we will continue to update as we get closer to the event.
Northeast Mid-Atlantic Partnership for Forests and Water 
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