Water is often compartmentalized into drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater. However, all three sectors have the common goal of protecting watersheds. In June, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) hosted its 2012 Annual Conference and Exposition, which included several speakers on source water protection. Speakers discussed the impacts of stormwater on water quality and the cost of drinking water treatment. Erosion can also decrease reservoir capacity due to sedimentation. In contrast, collecting rainwater can reduce stormwater pollution and decrease reliance on groundwater and other traditional supplies. Most utilities responding to a 2010 AWWA source water protection survey  have a utility policy specifically for source water protection. Read more about how water utilities can take an active role in protecting source water quality.