How is the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) involved?
DEP has already provided and will continue with public recognition and promotion for the state s Water Supply Partners. More importantly, DEP has trained staff in its field offices to help systems with the Partnership software as well as with any technical difficulties concerning the self-assessment procedures. Along with utility personnel, DEP staff participate on the team that peer-reviews all Pennsylvania self-assessment reports and will remain part of the Third-Party Assessment Team if the water system chooses to complete this phase. DEP has also provided a grant obtained through state revolving loan funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the Pennsylvania Section American Water Works Association. This has enabled the Association s representatives to visit the Commonwealth s treatment plants to explain the benefits of the Partnership program and obtain membership. It will also provide more assistance to water systems working toward Phase III. In addition, DEP has a l
