Press Release

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

Published on 5/1/2007

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Showing consumers how to “Be Water Wise,” the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will commemorate National Drinking Water Week, May 8-10, in the Commonwealth Keystone Building Atrium in Harrisburg.

Through a partnership with Home Depot, the PUC will urge consumers to “Prepare Now: Be Water Wise.” Consumers will have the opportunity to learn more about simple steps that can be take around the home to reduce water usage.

“By becoming more water wise, consumers can not only protect this valuable natural resource but they also can protect their personal resource – money.” said Commission Chairman Wendell Holland. “In commemorating National Drinking Water, the Commission strives to provide consumers with the tools they need to make educated decisions around their household. Saving water is easy and there are many products available that don’t require changing the way we live.”

From May 8 to 10, 2007, exhibits from water companies, state agencies, and organizations will be on display in the Atrium of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg.  The public is welcome to tour the exhibits. The PUC and Home Depot will highlight 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.

All of these measures not only conserve water, but they save consumers money in the long run. Water consumers will be encouraged to learn more about the law related to utility shut-offs and how the law impact water consumers. Because coverage has focused on natural gas and electric users, most consumers don't realize how provisions in the utility shut-off laws (Act 201 of 2004/Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code) also apply to water customers. Information about customer assistance programs designed to help low-income consumers with their bills also will be available.

The Pennsylvania celebration builds upon national efforts to highlight the need for safe drinking water worldwide. On May 1, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissions, of which the PUC is a member, will cosponsor a premiere screening of the water documentary Running Dry in Washington, D.C.  Running Dry explores the global water crisis and illustrates the reality that a child dies every 15 seconds due to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation. It is part of a comprehensive public information/education program regarding the global humanitarian water crisis.

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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