As the Commonwealth continues with its drought watch, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will celebrate National Drinking Water Week, May 9-11, in the Commonwealth Keystone Building Atrium, asking consumers to “Be Water Wise.”

PUC Chairman Wendell F. Holland and Commissioners Kim Pizzingrilli and Bill Shane will highlight the importance of water. The week’s message will focus on the value of drinking water and how responsible water usage conserves this irreplaceable resource while saving consumers’ money. In celebrating water week, the Commission will remind consumers to “Prepare Now: Be Water Wise,” which builds on the Commission’s other successful consumer-education campaigns.

“We urge water consumers to be responsible in their water usage not only to protect this valuable resource but also to help save another valuable resource - money,” said Chairman Holland. “Celebrating National Drinking Water week gives us an opportunity to also talk about the value of water and how changes in the utility shut off laws apply to water consumers.”

Water consumers will be encouraged to learn more about the changes in the law related to utility shut-offs and how these changes impact water consumers. Because coverage has focused on natural gas and electric users, most consumers don't realize that the changes in the utility shut-off laws (Act 201 of 2004 / Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code) also apply to water customers. Information about customer assistance programs designed to help low-income consumers with their bills also will be available.

Throughout the week, exhibits from water companies, state agencies, and organizations will be on display in the Atrium of the Keystone Building. The public is welcome to tour the exhibits.

An actor playing Ben Franklin also will join the Commissioners at a media event at 10 a.m. May 11, to deliver the messages found in two famous Franklin quotes of “A penny saved is a penny earned” and “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.”

Both messages underline the importance of using water wisely to potentially save money by lowering utility bills and avoiding shutoffs.

With a back drop of 162 one-gallon jugs of water representing the amount of water one person can use in a day, Rep. Rubley (R-Chester) will join the Chairman Holland and Commissioners Pizzingrilli and Shane at the media event. Representatives from the water industry also will be on hand.

NewsClip: Gov. Rendell Declares Safe Drinking Water Week

5/5/2006