This standard describes critical requirements for the effective protection of source waters. Source water protection is a highly site-specific process that reflects the inherent diversity of natural waters and the areas from which they are derived.

Consequently, successful source water protection programs may vary widely in their details, but successful programs share several fundamental elements. These elements form the basis of the source water protection standard.

Within this generalized framework, individual utilities may establish and maintain source water protection programs that account for their unique local conditions, incorporate the interests of local stakeholders, and reflect sustainable long-term commitments to the process by all parties.