DEP invites public comment on 2022 draft of State Water Plan

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced Monday the opening of its draft 2022 Pennsylvania State Water Plan for public comments.

The plan identifies regional and statewide water resources priorities and recommends statewide and legislative actions to address those priorities, DEP said.

“The Pennsylvania State Water Plan is a powerful tool for all Pennsylvanians working in a professional or volunteer capacity to manage or protect our waters,” said DEP Acting Secretary Ramez Ziadeh. “I thank the many committee volunteers who shared their expertise to develop this robust draft plan and encourage everyone to review it and share their thoughts. Public participation is critical to finalizing a plan that sustains Pennsylvania’s invaluable water resources.”

As part of the state Water Resources Planning Act of 2002, DEP must collaborate with regional and statewide committees when preparing the state water plan. The water plan will help elected officials and state, local, and community leaders make better and more informed decisions regarding water resources, DEP said. The plan includes recommendations from experts on policies, programs, and projects related to water availability, infrastructure investment, water resource protection, health and safety, and climate change adaptation.

The public can view and comment on the draft water plan online through the DEP eComment system. Comments may also be emailed to comment@pa.gov or mailed to the DEP Policy Office in Harrisburg. Comments are due by 11:59 p.m., Sept. 19, 2022.