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$3.9 MILLION FOR PENNSYLVANIA DRINKING WATER PROGRAMS

Release Date: 7/19/1999
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $3.9 million to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to protect drinking water supplies. The state will contribute $1.32 million in matching state funds. These funds are part of a continuing program which EPA has funded since the mid-1980's.

"In listening to the concerns of water suppliers in small towns and big cities, we have confidence that this grant program and the state revolving fund grants are helping to bring Americans the cleanest, safest drinking water in the world," said EPA Regional Administrator W. Michael McCabe.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection manages the state’s public water system supervision program. The program aids public water systems in complying with the Safe Drinking Water Act by providing technical assistance, operator training and informing water system owners about new regulatory responsibiblities.
DEP also initiates enforcement actions against public water systems who fail to comply with state and federal regulations.

The funds will be used for data management, program development, evaluation, and technical support activities, along with regional field staffing for surveillance, permitting and compliance. Funds will also be used to increase drinking water monitoring compliance at small public water systems throughout the state.

This federal grant assists states in implementing their drinking water programs to ensure the nation’s drinking water supplies remain safe and are properly operated and maintained.