Columbus, OH — Today, the Ohio General Assembly passed emergency legislation in response to the coronavirus outbreak. A key piece of Amended Substitute House Bill 197 provides the Director of the Ohio EPA (OEPA) the ability to issue orders to all public water systems to ensure access to water while Governor DeWine’s executive order (2020-01D) stands. The Director can issue an order to require public water systems to restore service to any disconnected customers, waive connection fees, and prohibit water disconnections due to nonpayment. This expands upon a recent PUCO order by ensuring that all water systems continue to provide water service to homes and businesses during the coronavirus outbreak. The bill now heads to Governor DeWine for his signature.
The following statement can be attributed to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:
“Access to safe water and public health are inextricably linked. The OEC Action Fund commends the Governor and the Ohio General Assembly for its leadership in responding to this public health emergency and recognizing that water is a basic need for Ohioans. No Ohioans should have to worry about their water being shut off, especially during a public health crisis. This is the right approach and will help families across our state to protect their loved ones.”