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For Immediate Release
April 22, 2009
Contact: Sally Kohr
(717) 787-4651

Alloway Cosponsors Legislation to Protect Drinking Water Supplies 

HARRISBURG – Senator Richard Alloway II (R-33) is cosponsoring legislation that would protect Pennsylvania’s drinking water supplies from pollution and contamination. 

Senate Bill 777 would strengthen the state’s Safe Drinking Water Act by extending greater protections for drinking water sources. The bill would establish critical zones for surface water intakes and wellhead protection areas for community groundwater wells to help prevent contamination. 

“Our drinking water supplies are at risk for pollution from a number of sources and land uses,” Alloway said. “This legislation would provide an important level of protection to ensure that our citizens can continue to benefit from clean streams, groundwater and other drinking water sources.” 

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

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.