Press Release

PUC Recognizes Drinking Water Week, Commission Action

Published on 5/18/2023

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today highlighted the recent “Drinking Water Week,” held May 7 through May 13, in the Commonwealth as part of an ongoing effort to increase awareness about the importance of safe drinking water.

“Drinking Water Week is a celebration recognizing the vital role water plays in everyday life for both water professionals and the communities they serve,” said PUC Commissioner and member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Committee on Water Ralph V. Yanora in his remarks at the PUC’s May 18 Public Meeting. “This week, we renew our commitment to working to solve challenges facing the public water supply with a focus on protecting treated drinking water from contaminants.”

The PUC observed Drinking Water Week by inviting the public to learn about how truly vital clean, safe water is in daily life and its role in protecting public health and the environment now and in the future. This year, Drinking Water Week encourages participants to recognize and honor the critical work that water professionals accomplish around the clock to deliver quality tap water while bolstering resilience for water in the future. Drinking Water Week is a decades-long tradition led by the American Water Works Association.

 The Commission’s most recent efforts include rulemakings to address: the replacement of metallic lead service lines and adopting a uniform water audit methodology; as well as our policy statement proposing best practices for public and private fire protection. The Commission expects to finalize these rulemakings and policy statement in the near future.

 The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov