Press Release

PUC Partners with Home Depot to Commemorate National Drinking Water Week, Urging Consumers to “Be Water Wise,” Use WaterSense

Published on 5/8/2007

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – Showing consumers how to “Be Water Wise,” the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today kicked off National Drinking Water Week  by demonstrating the simple steps consumers can take around the house to save money and this valuable resource.

        Through a partnership with Home Depot, PUC Chairman Wendell F. Holland, Vice Chairman James A. Cawley and Commissioners Kim Pizzingrilli and Terrance J. Fitzpatrick urged consumers to “Prepare Now: Be Water Wise.” During the week, consumers will have the opportunity to learn more about simple steps that can be taken around the home to reduce water usage.

        “We are emphasizing the value of drinking water and water service,” said Chairman Holland. “Water is valuable in more ways than one -- it’s an invaluable resource that ends up just costing us pennies a day. But, at the same time, it’s an irreplaceable resource that we must use responsibly. Saving water is easy. Many products are already available for use, and it doesn't require changing the way most of us live or do business.”

        Through Thursday, May 10, exhibits from water companies, state agencies, and organizations will be on display in the Atrium of the Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg.  The public is welcome to tour the exhibits. The PUC and Home Depot highlighted home improvements such as low-flow showerheads, simple adjustments to bathroom fixtures and frontload washing machines that allow consumers to conserve this valuable resource while saving money.

        As the PUC encourages consumers to “Be Water Wise,” the event also will highlight WaterSense – a program launched earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection for residential consumers. Products bearing the WaterSense mark are guaranteed to meet thresholds for conservation, much like the EnergyStar program for electricity.

        The Commissioners also used the celebration as an opportunity to educate consumers on changes in the laws that govern utility consumers. Changes in 2004 to Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code sought to eliminate opportunities for customers capable of paying to avoid paying their utility bills, and to provide utilities with the means to reduce their uncollectible accounts.  The law also changed the way regulated water utilities handle cash deposits; reconnection of service; termination of service; payment arrangements; and the filing of termination complaints by residential customers.

        The Commission is encouraging water consumers to learn more about these laws and how they impact water consumers. The state’s four largest regulated water companies – Aqua Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania-American Water Co., United Water Co., York Water Co. – have established programs to help low-income consumers pay their water bills.
         The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage www.puc.state.pa.us.

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