Press Release

PUC Seeks Comment on Defining Service Interruption for Water Utilities

Published on 5/4/2006

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG, Pa. – In response to its investigation into the December 2005 fluoride incident with Pennsylvania American Water Co. (PAWC), the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today took the first step in clarifying its regulations defining water service interruptions.

“Of all of the uses within our homes for water, having quality water for consumption is one of the most vital and important aspects of service provided by a water utility,” said Commission Chairman Wendell F. Holland. “If consumers cannot drink it, then from their perspective, and ours, service has been interrupted.”

The Commission voted 5-0 to clarify the definition of “service interruption” for water service provided by utilities under the Commission’s jurisdiction as “any interruption of service affecting the quantity or quality of water delivered to the customers.” The Commission will publish the proposed revision to its regulations in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Interested parties will have 30 days to submit comments.

The Commission’s regulations direct utilities to notify the Commission by telephone within one hour after a preliminary assessment of conditions reasonably indicates an unscheduled service interruption affecting 2,500 or 5 percent, whichever is less, of their total customers in a single incident for six or more projected consecutive hours.  During the investigation into the incident, PAWC asserted that the term “service interruption” was not clearly defined in the regulation. While the Commission did not agree that the regulation lacked clear definition, it decided to take steps to more clearly define that term.

In its March 10, 2006 order that released the results of its investigation, the Commission also placed the water industry on notice of its specific definition of “service interruption” while the rulemaking process proceeds.

The Commission’s December 2005 investigation into the fluoride incident at PAWC’s Yellow Breeches Water Treatment Plant found that human error led to excessive levels of fluoride concentration in its drinking water.  A “Do Not Consume” order was issued that affected about 34,000 consumers in Cumberland and York counties.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition. For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. L-00060177

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