September 28–October 4 is Source Water Protection Week
September 28, 2025
As part of our ongoing commitment to clean and safe water for the residents of Muskegon, we join the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and communities nationwide in observing Source Water Protection Week from September 28 to October 4, 2025.
What Is Source Water Protection Week?
Source Water Protection Week is a national awareness campaign designed to highlight the importance of safeguarding the rivers, lakes, streams, and underground aquifers that provide drinking water to communities.
Protecting these water sources at their origin helps:
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reduce contamination risks and protect public health
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lower water treatment costs (by reducing the burden on treatment systems)
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maintain ecosystem health and resiliency of our watersheds
Every community, utility, business, and resident has a role in this effort.
How the City of Muskegon Is Participating
We plan to use this week to raise awareness, engage our community, and promote best practices that help protect Muskegon’s water sources. Below are some of the steps we’ll be taking:
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Recognizing Source Water Protection Week
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Sharing information and educational materials about source water protection via our social media platforms
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Encouraging residents to practice water-friendly habits (see suggestions below)
What You Can Do: Practical Actions at Home
During Source Water Protection Week, and all year long, here are some actions residents can take to help protect our drinking water sources:
| Action | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Dispose of household hazardous waste properly | Avoid dumping paints, solvents, oils, or other chemicals down drains or on the ground, where runoff can carry pollutants to water sources. |
| Use fertilizers, pesticides, and lawn chemicals sparingly | Excess nutrients can run off into waterways, causing algal blooms or other water quality problems. |
| Plant native vegetation, create buffer zones, or use rain gardens | Plants help filter pollutants and stabilize soil, preventing sediment and contaminants from entering waterways |
| Fix leaks, conserve water, and avoid wasting water | Reducing demand helps ease pressure on water sources |
| Pick up after pets, avoid littering, and prevent runoff | Animal waste, trash, and debris can carry bacteria and pollutants into storm drains |
| Never flush hazardous chemicals or unused medications | They can enter waterways and pose health and ecological risks |
Even small actions by many people add up to a meaningful difference in protecting our shared water sources.
Why It Matters for Muskegon
Muskegon’s water system depends on the integrity and quality of our local watersheds and groundwater sources. Protecting those sources reduces costs, lowers health risks, and ensures sustainability for future generations.
By participating in Source Water Protection Week, we encourage every resident, business, and stakeholder in Muskegon to consider their impact on water, become more informed, and take action.