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:

“Administrator.” The Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency or his authorized representative.

“Community water system.” A public water system which serves at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents.

“Contaminant.” Any physical, chemical, biological or radiological substance or matter in water.

“Department.” The Department of Environmental Resources.¹

“Drinking water standards.” Any requirements established by the national primary drinking water regulations and national secondary drinking water regulations or any State regulations adopted pursuant to this act.

“Environmental Hearing Board.” The board established pursuant to section 1921-A of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L. 177, No. 175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929,² for the purposes set forth in that section.

“Environmental Quality Board.” The board established pursuant to section 1920-A of The Administrative Code of 1929,³ for the purposes set forth in that section.⁴

“Federal act.” The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended (Public Law 93-523, 42 U.S.C. § 300f et seq.).

“Maximum contaminant level.” The maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water which is delivered to any user of a public water system.

“National primary drinking water regulations.” Primary drinking water regulations promulgated by the administrator pursuant to the Federal act.

“National secondary drinking water regulations.” Secondary drinking water regulations promulgated by the administrator pursuant to the Federal act.

“Noncommunity water system.” A public water system that is not a community water system.

“Person.” Any individual, partnership, association, company, corporation, municipality, municipal authority, political subdivision or any agency of Federal or State government. The term shall include the officers, employees and agents of any partnership, association, company, corporation, municipality, municipal authority, political subdivision or any agency of Federal or State government.

“Public water system.” A system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption which has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year. The term includes:

“Secretary.” The Secretary of the Department of Environmental Resources.

“State agency.” Any State department, board, commission or agency other than the Department of Environmental Resources.

“Supplier of water.” Any person who owns or operates a public water system.

“Treatment technique.” A requirement which specifies for a contaminant a specific treatment method which is known to cause a reduction in the level of the contaminant. A treatment technique may be required for contaminants which cannot practically be regulated by establishing a maximum contaminant level.

“Water Facilities Loan Board.” The board established pursuant to 32 Pa.C.S. § 7504 (relating to water facilities loan board) for the purpose set forth in that chapter.