Press Release

PUC: National Drinking Water Week Highlight Need for Consumers to ‘Be Water Wise’ -- 162 Gallon Jugs, ‘Ben Franklin’ Help to Highlight Responsible Usage During Drought

Published on 5/11/2006

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – With the backdrop of 162 one-gallon jugs of water, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) celebrated National Drinking Water Week by reminding consumers to “Prepare Now: Be Water Wise.”

            “Water is valuable in more ways than one – it’s an invaluable resource that costs us pennies a day. At the same time, it’s an irreplaceable resource that we must use responsibly,” said Commission Chairman Wendell F. Holland. “Celebrating National Drinking Water Week gives us an opportunity to not only talk about the value of water service, but also about how changes in the utility shut-off laws apply to water consumers and help is available for low-income families.”

            Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli said, “Water is the only utility service we ingest and it’s the only utility service that touches every part of our daily lives. It is the one utility service that we cannot live without – even for a short period.”

            Commissioner Bill Shane said, “Consumers should be responsible in their water usage to not only protect this precious resource but to avoid high water bills that could lead to termination of service. We recognize that some consumers struggle to pay their water bills. The Commission wants consumers to know that help is available. Those consumers should call their utility or the PUC to find out more about customer assistance programs.”

            The PUC’s message for National Drinking Water Week focused on how responsible water usage conserves this irreplaceable resource while underlining the importance of using water wisely to potentially save money by lowering utility bills and avoiding shutoffs. Throughout the week, exhibits from water companies, state agencies and organizations were on display in the Atrium of the Keystone Building. 

            The PUC regulates the rates and service of about 100 investor-owned water utilities, along with about 35 municipal water systems that serve customers outside of their corporate boundaries. In recent months, the Commission has undertaken a process to improve the manner in which consumers are notified when their water service is interrupted that includes making consumers aware of alternative water sources.

           Water consumers also were encouraged to learn more about the changes in the law related to utility shut-offs and how these changes impact water customers. Because coverage has focused on natural gas and electric users, most consumers don't realize that the changes in the utility shut-off laws (Act 201 of 2004 / Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code) also apply to water customers. Information was provided about customer assistance programs designed to help low-income consumers with their bills.

            An actor portraying Ben Franklin also joined 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.” Both messages highlight the importance of sensible water use in order to preserve the priceless natural resource while saving money.

            More than 100 fourth-graders from Paxtang Elementary School and fifth-graders from North Side Elementary School, both in the Central Dauphin School District joined the Commissioners and Ben Franklin in learning about water. State Rep. Carole Rubley, who represents Chester and Montgomery counties, was on hand to present a resolution from the General Assembly in honor of National Drinking Water Week. Representatives from the water industry also were in attendance.

          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.

# # #

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722