March 22 is World Water Day, a day set aside to increase awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to clean water. Here in Pennsylvania with our abundant rainfall and miles of rivers and streams, you might think that World Water Day is a cause we can ignore. The truth is, 33% of Pennsylvania’s waterways are designated as” impaired” by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Our rivers and streams are precious to Pennsylvanians. They supply water to 25% of Pennsylvanians who rely on wells for their drinking water. They provide habitat for native plants and animals. They furnish a recreational haven for those who love to fish, canoe and even just hike along the rivers.

But our rivers and streams are under threat. Acid mine drainage increases pollutants in our waterways. Farm animal waste and stormwater lead to increased waterway nutrients and sediments, killing our plants and animals and poisoning our drinking water.

I call on Gov. Tom Wolf and our state legislators to increase funding to clean up our waters. Please help to improve drinking water for Pennsylvanians, restore our damaged aquatic environment and help the bottom line by boosting our recreation economy. It is good for Pennsylvania and an important step to take for World Water Day.

Peggy Hasley

Bolivar

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