Kasunic reviews well water bill
State Sen. Richard A. Kasunic (D-Dunbar) said there’s a misconceptions about pending well water legislation in Harrisburg. “First and foremost, this proposal would not charge people for water usage out of their own well,” Kasunic said, “and I would never support any bill that would charge people to use their own well water.”
The Dunbar lawmaker said the bill is exclusively designed to protect well owners by improving standards for well drilling, water quality and water management planning.
He criticized those who have been spreading misinformation about the bill, noting that one letter being circulated erroneously claims that well owners would be required to pay for well water meters. In fact, there is not even a mention of the word “meter” in the legislation.
Kasunic added that nothing in the bill would enable the state to automatically shut off a person’s well or charge a well owner for testing, decontamination, filtering or monitoring.
Kasunic added that the measure would only apply to people drilling new wells or modifying existing wells and that all regulatory and licensing costs would be borne by the contractor.
“Based on some of the ominous droughts in recent years, the bill is aimed at improving Pennsylvania’s water management planning by getting a better idea of where wells are located, their size, usage and output,” Kasunic said.
He added that much of the bill is designed to protect well owners by requiring standards and guidelines for constructing and refurbishing wells.
“We have to realize that property owners are paying for a service when having a well drilled,” said Kasunic. “This bill seeks to protect well owners by assuring that new wells produce ample, safe and clean water supplies.”