PRINTER'S NO. 1567
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
290
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY MAHER, APRIL 26, 2017
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 26, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of May 7 through 13, 2017, as "Drinking
Water Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, While more than 70% 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 2,000 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 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, The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority
(PENNVEST) and the H2O PA Program provide low-cost financial
assistance for infrastructure improvements to community drinking
water systems; and
WHEREAS, Ongoing 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 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 35 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 House of Representatives designate the
week of May 7 through 13, 2017, 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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