Press Release

PUC Celebrates National Drinking Water Week, Urging Consumers to “Be Water Wise”

Published on 5/10/2006

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – With  a backdrop of 162 one-gallon jugs of water representing the amount of water one person can use in a day, Public Utility Commission Chairman Wendell F. Holland, Commissioners Bill Shane and Kim Pizzingrilli will celebrate national Drinking Water Week with the help of more than 100 local elementary school children.

               As Pennsylvaniacontinues with its drought watch, the Commissioners will remind consumers to “Prepare Now: Be Water Wise,” underlining the importance of using water wisely to save a valuable resource and money by lowering bills and avoiding shut offs. Education efforts will focus on utility shut-off laws changes. Many consumers don't realize the changes in those laws (commonly called Act 201 or Chapter 14) also apply to water customers. Information about customer assistance programs designed to help low-income consumers with their bills will be available.

             An actor portraying Ben Franklin will join the Commissioners to deliver the messages found in two famous Franklin quotes of “A penny saved is a penny earned” and “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” State Rep. Carole Rubley (Chester and Montgomery counties) will present a proclamation from the General Assembly commemorating National Drinking Water Week. Water company representatives also will be participating.

10 a.m. Thursday, May 11

CommonwealthKeystone BuildingAtrium

Corner of Forster and North streets

                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 Internet homepage www.puc.state.pa.us.

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