Section 3. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Department." The Department of Environmental Resources of the Commonwealth.
"Local sponsor." Any county, borough, township, authority or community water supplier as defined in the act of May 1, 1984 (P.L.206, No.43), known as the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act.
"Regionalized water system." Water systems or any combination of water systems which are physically connected or operated or managed as a single unit.
"Secretary." The Secretary of Environmental Resources of the Commonwealth.
"Small water system." A community water system defined by the act of May 1, 1984 (P.L.206, No.43), known as the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act, which serves 3,300 or fewer people.
"Water system." All lands, property, rights, rights-of-way, easements and related franchises deemed necessary or convenient for the operation of a water system, all water rights acquired in connection with the system, all means of conserving, controlling and distributing water, including, but not limited to, outlets, treatment plants, pumps, lift stations, service connections, mains, hydrants, wells, reservoirs, tanks and other appurtenances of water systems.
"Water systems regionalization study." A study of the physical, operational or administrative consolidation or regionalization of water systems based upon the principles of hydrology, effective environmental protection, protection of public health and proven engineering, economic and water conservation principles to assure the most viable approach to providing safe and reliable water service.
Compiler's Note: The Department of Environmental Resources, referred to in the def. of "department," was abolished by Act 18 of 1995. Its functions were transferred to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection.
Compiler's Note: The Secretary of Environmental Resources, referred to in the def. of "secretary," was abolished by Act 18 of 1995. The functions of the secretary were transferred to the Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Secretary of Environmental Protection.