Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks) introduced legislation today that would strengthen the state's Safe Drinking Water Act by extending greater protections for drinking water sources.

 

Sen. McIlhinney said that drinking water supplies can be contaminated by runoff pollution, industrial discharges, spills and various land uses. Senate Bill 777 would establish critical zones for surface water intakes and wellhead protection areas for community groundwater wells to help prevent contamination.

 

The bill would also require the Department of Environmental Protection to establish statewide minimum standards for wellhead and surface water intake protection.

 

"Most of us take clean water for granted, but we cannot ignore the threat of pollution and contamination of our drinking water supplies," Sen. McIlhinney said. "We need to take action to protect our drinking water supplies to ensure the future health of our citizens."

 

Under Senate Bill 777, violators would be subject to fines of up to $2,500 and up to 90 days in jail. Willful or negligent violations of the law could lead to fines of up to $50,000 and up to two years in jail for each offense.

 

Sen. McIlhinney introduced his legislation at a Capitol press conference this week to coincide with Earth Day activities across the nation. McIlhinney was joined by representatives from Clean Water Action, a national grassroots organization working to protect drinking water supplies.

 

"Clean Water Action applauds Sen. McIlhinney and all of the cosponsors for introducing this important legislation," said Myron Arnowitt, Pennsylvania State Director for Clean Water Action. "Protecting rivers that supply our drinking water will not only protect our families, but will save communities from costly cleanups down the road."

 

Sen. McIlhinney was also joined for the announcement by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware), Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland), Sen. Richard Alloway II (R-Franklin), Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) and Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners Vice President Deana Zosky.

 

Video and audio clips of the press conference are available online.