Bill Text: PA SR89 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Designating the week of May 1 through 7, 2011, as "Drinking Water Week" in Pennsylvania.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Passed) 2011-04-12 - Introduced and adopted [SR89 Detail]

Download: Pennsylvania-2011-SR89-Introduced.html

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PRINTER'S NO. 1050
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 89 Session of2011
INTRODUCED BY M. WHITE, APRIL 12, 2011
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, APRIL 12, 2011
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of May 1 through 7, 2011, as "Drinking
Water Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, While 80% of the earth's surface is covered with
water, only 1% of that water is suitable for human consumption;
and
WHEREAS, Groundwater, the water that soaks into the soil from
raindrops and moves downward to fill cracks and other openings
in beds of rock and sand, makes up about 90% of the fresh water
on earth, not including polar icecaps; and
WHEREAS, Individual water wells tapping groundwater resources
provide high-quality water to many homeowners and businesses;
and
WHEREAS, Few people consider water supply when choosing a
home or when taking a stand on local water supply regulations;
and
WHEREAS, An estimated 2,200 municipally owned or investor-
owned community drinking water systems provide high-quality
water to homeowners and businesses; and
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WHEREAS, Federal and State drinking water standards are
upheld by the Department of Environmental Protection for all of
those systems; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission regulates
the rates and service of approximately 118 investor-owned water
companies in this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission is to ensure that safe and reliable service is
provided to ratepayers at a reasonable price; and
WHEREAS, PENNVEST (the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment
Authority) is the State agency that provides low-cost financial
assistance for infrastructure improvements to community drinking
water systems; and
WHEREAS, Ongoing interagency cooperation among the Department
of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission and PENNVEST strengthens drinking water system
viability, enhances service, increases economies of scale,
regionally maximizes efficient water supply and use and fosters
economic development; and
WHEREAS, A new State water plan has been developed to
coordinate regional, county and local water allocation and use,
land development planning and related zoning requirements under
Act 220 of 2002; and
WHEREAS, The American Water Works Association established
"National Drinking Water Week" more than 30 years ago to call
attention to water as a precious natural resource; and
WHEREAS, Water conservation and water quality maintenance are
essential to this Commonwealth and our nation; and
WHEREAS, Because the service provided by viable community
drinking water systems is generally available instantaneously on
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a 24-hour basis, many of us take safe and reliable drinking
water for granted; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the week of May 1 through
7, 2011, as "Drinking Water Week" in Pennsylvania to heighten
awareness of drinking water treatment, monitoring, distribution
and related costs and urge all residents of this Commonwealth to
protect our watersheds, conserve our precious drinking water
supply and preserve its superior quality.
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