The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Cecil County a source water protection award for its efforts to protect the county's drinking water sources.
Three years ago, representatives from the county's office of planning, zoning parks and recreation began meeting with municipalities to outline the importance of protecting water sources. Those meetings resulted in eight communities taking an active role in protecting drinking water sources from potential pollution. The county now works with these communities to draft ordinances that will ensure safe drinking water supplies as the communities plan for future growth.
"Drinking water is a finite and precious resource so we applaud communities like Cecil County that are voluntarily taking steps to protect it. These approaches to drinking water protection are chosen by the local communities and not imposed by the federal government. This award recognizes the leadership, innovation and dedication that the county has shown for source water protection, " said Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA's mid-Atlantic region.
U.S. Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest, who represents Cecil County, said: "Cecil County officials are to be commended for taking the necessary steps to protect the drinking water supply for all residents in the county. We cannot take our resources for granted, and we need to plan for the future. Cecil County has done just that and been an example for other counties to follow."
EPA's source water protection awards program encourages communities that use public water supply systems to take steps to protect drinking water sources. The award is open to individuals, water suppliers, municipalities, civic groups and public and private organizations throughout EPA's mid-Atlantic region that includes Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
Source: U.S. EPA - Region 3
