Pennsylvania Code
Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES
Part I - Public Utility Commission
Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities
Chapter 69 - GENERAL ORDERS, POLICY STATEMENTS AND GUIDELINES ON FIXED UTILITIES
SMALL DRINKING WATER SYSTEM-STATEMENT OF POLICY
Section 69.701 - Viability of small water systems

(1) Many small water systems in this Commonwealth are not viable and need to be restructured. Most new water systems being created in this Commonwealth are small and are likely candidates for becoming nonviable.

(2) A viable water system is one which is self-sustaining and has the commitment and financial, managerial and technical capabilities to reliably meet Commission and Department of Environmental Resources (Department) requirements on a long-term basis.

(3) It shall be the objective of the Commission and the Department to work closely together and with other agencies and organizations involved in safe drinking water programs to substantially restrict the number of nonviable drinking water systems by discouraging the creation of new nonviable small systems, and at the same time, encourage the restructuring of existing nonviable small systems.

(1) The development and implementation of comprehensive water system facility plans, management plans and financial plans by drinking water systems which enable these systems to operate on a sound business basis to ensure the continuous provision of quality water service that meets the requirements of 66 Pa.C.S. (relating to the Public Utility Code) and the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act (35 P. S. § § 721.1-721.17).

(2) Comprehensive planning at the local, county and regional level to ensure water system viability.

(3) The restructuring, physically or administratively, of contiguous and noncontiguous drinking water systems, some of which are nonviable, to form a single viable water system or water authority.

(4) The facilitation of the rate process to aid in the provision by PENNVEST, and other affected governmental or other financial bodies, of financial assistance to viable systems and projects which incorporate or encourage accomplishment of paragraphs (1)-(3).

(5) The development of safety net programs to deal with nonviable or abandoned water systems.

(6) Working with the water industry, government agencies and other affected bodies to educate the public regarding drinking water system regulation, planning and viability issues, and the associated cost and public health benefits derived.