COLUMBIA, PA − November 14, 2025 −Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Nick Miller held a hearing to examine the Commonwealth’s actions, plans and progress to protect water systems and residential wells.
“Today’s hearing was intended to assess existing practices and plans for the Commonwealth’s water system and residential wells,” he said. Senator Miller. “We must take proactive action with this important resource and ensure that we are working diligently to ensure safe drinking water for all Pennsylvanians.”
“Clean water is one of the most basic and necessary elements of a healthy life,” she said Senator Malone. “Many people in my district rely on home wells, and I am eager to talk about how we can protect their water and provide knowledge that will help maintain healthier home wells and water across the Commonwealth.”
“Today’s session is increasingly focused on the protection and security of domestic wells, but the laws enacted by DEP that most directly impact domestic wells and groundwater are the Clean Streams Act, the Sewer Act, the Nutrient Management Act, the Solid Waste Management Act, the Water Resources Planning Act, and the regulations authorized under these acts,” said Jill Whitcomb, deputy secretary for water programs at DEP. “Before discussing the programs DEP administers under these regulations, we should consider contaminants that commonly affect private drinking water wells.”
“Wells are a primary source of drinking water for millions of Pennsylvanians. Yet the Commonwealth is one of only two states that has not established industry standards for well siting and construction, and one of only three states that does not have statewide industry licensing requirements,” said Gale Blackmer, state geologist with the DCNR’s Bureau of Geological Survey. “Pennsylvania has no standards required for well drillers and no safeguards for homeowners. This leaves many Pennsylvanians vulnerable to improperly located and/or constructed wells, which can result in water contamination, health problems and costly repair bills.”
“Pennsylvania has important responsibilities with respect to public health,” Laura Dimino, deputy director at the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. “The research we have published and will publish soon confirms the value of paying greater attention to how state and local governments can promote the safety of private water supplies for millions of residents, as well as improve the maintenance of private septic systems. At the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, we support data-driven policymaking.”
“Because there are no well construction standards in Pennsylvania, some important components of a properly constructed drinking water well are often not installed, likely to reduce well costs for the driller and homeowner,” said Jodi Sulpizio, educator and coordinator at Penn State Extension. “Proper design features and management of the wellhead area can protect private wells from surface water contamination. Anything that ends up on the ground, such as animal waste, sediment, fertilizers, chemicals, can enter the well through surface runoff after rainfall.”
“Pennsylvania has a moral obligation to protect its citizens from avoidable health and financial risks,” Ollie Cugini, Clean Water Campaign Manager at PennFuture. “Setting and enforcing standards are the mechanisms needed to finally address this silent crisis of environmental and economic injustice.”
“We have manufacturers, we have suppliers that make up our membership as well, which brings us to 160 companies annually across the Commonwealth,” said Bill Reichart, president of the PA Ground Water Association. “I hope to be a resource for the committee.”
The following testified at today’s hearing:
- Jill Whitcomb, Deputy Secretary for Water Programs, DEP
- Gale BlackmerState Geologist, Bureau of the Geological Survey, DCNR
- Laura DiminoInterim Executive Director, Center for Rural Pennsylvania
- Kaitlyn Goodespecialist, Pennsylvania Rural Center
- Jodi Sulpizio, Educator and Coordinator, Penn State Extension, York County
- Ollie Cousinsmanager of the Clean Water campaign at PennFuture
- Bill Reichartpresident of the PA Groundwater Association
Senator Nick Miller was elected political chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his twelfth as chairman.
Footage of the hearing and written testimony from the panel are available at: PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Downloadable photos and videos are available upon request.
For more information on AP Senate Democrats’ priorities, visit www.pasenate.com.
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