Tuesdays at APA: Source Water Protection in the 21st Century

Tuesday, July 14, 2015


As news arises of drought, harmful algal blooms, and chemical
spills across the nation, we are regularly reminded of the need
to protect drinking water in our cities and communities. Every
day, land use decisions affect future drinking water supplies,
either intentionally or inadvertently. By protecting sources of
drinking water through regular planning activities and practices
like green infrastructure, we can build resilient, healthy, and
beautiful communities.


The Source Water Collaborative formed in 2006 with the goal to
combine the strengths and tools of a diverse set of member
organizations to act now, and protect sources of drinking water
for generations to come. As a member of the collaborative, APA
works with partners like the Association of State Drinking Water
Administrators, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the
U.S. Forest Service, Smart Growth America, and many others to
help communities across the nation protect sources of drinking
water.


Rachel Carlson is an environmental protection specialist in the
Drinking Water Protection Division, Office of GroundWater and
Drinking Water, U.S. EPA. She assists with geospatial analysis
and outreach in a variety of projects to protect sources of
drinkingwater and participates in the Source Water Collaborative,
a group of 26 national organizations including APA that are
dedicated to protectingsource water.


Jim Taft is executive director of the Association of State
Drinking Water Administrators, which supports the efforts of
drinking water program administrators in states, territories, the
District of Columbia, and the Navajo Nation as they implement the
provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act.