AWWA Exemplary Source Water Protection Award

About this program

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) annually confers the Exemplary Source Water Protection Program Award, a non‑monetary plaque recognizing regulated drinking water systems that have developed and are implementing outstanding source water protection programs; up to three awards (by system size) are presented at the AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis (materials must be received by November 26 to be considered for the next award year) and are evaluated against the ANSI/AWWA G300 Standard using a 100‑point matrix (minimum score 80), with emphasis on vision, source water characterization, protection goals, action planning, implementation, and evaluation. Eligible applicants are regulated drinking water systems in compliance with applicable regulations that employ a Directly Responsible Individual (DRI) on staff (not a consultant); applications must follow the latest ANSI/AWWA G300 Standard (a streamlined small‑system application exists), use the AWWA online form, and may not include external links or additional supporting materials.