Press Release

PUC Upholds Order Requiring Improved Quality of Service by a Wyoming County Water Co.

Published on 6/21/2007

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG –  The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today upheld an Emergency Order that requires W.P. Water and Sanitary Co. to provide immediate relief to its customers who are experiencing frequent water outages and low water pressure.

The Commission voted 4-0 to uphold an Emergency Order issued by the PUC on June 15, 2007. The emergency action was taken after the state’s Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) petitioned the Commission for immediate relief. The Pennsylvania Code requires that the PUC act on Emergency Orders at its next regularly scheduled Public Meeting.

According to the Order, the company is required to:

• Immediately locate a new well site;
• Submit applications to the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Susquehanna River Basin Commission and drill the well;
• Apply to DEP for permission to provide a finished water storage tank;
• Take the steps necessary to assure that customers have alternative supplies of potable water during all periods of low pressure and outage;
• Install meters and begin charging customers metered rates, consistent with previous Commission orders; and
• Provide the Commission with monthly progress reports.

The company provides service to about 150 customers in the development of Washington Park, Wyoming County. The Commission and OCA have been receiving customer complaints regarding poor service, specifically outages and low water pressure.

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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Docket No. P-00072312

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• Press Secretary
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