PRINTER'S NO. 684
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
92
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY YAW, J. WARD, MARTIN, DINNIMAN, BAKER, FONTANA,
BREWSTER, BROWNE, KILLION, FOLMER, TARTAGLIONE, BLAKE,
MENSCH, HUGHES, COSTA AND SCHWANK, APRIL 30, 2019
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, APRIL 30, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of May 5 through 11, 2019, as "Drinking
Water Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, While 71% of the earth's surface is covered with
water, only 3.5% 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 approximately 30% of the
freshwater on earth, not including polar ice caps; 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, There are 1,949 municipally owned or investor-owned
community drinking water systems that provide high-quality water
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to homeowners and businesses; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Environmental Protection upholds
Federal and State drinking water standards 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) provides 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 40 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, Many of us take for granted the instantaneous
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availability 24 hours a day of a safe and reliable drinking
water service provided by viable community drinking water
systems; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the week of May 5 through
11, 2019, 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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