(a) General use of plan.--The State water plan is intended to serve as a policy and guidance document, providing information, objectives, priorities and recommendations to be considered and weighed in a broad range of State, local and private decisions. The State water plan is not intended to constitute or contain legally binding regulations, prohibitions or prescriptions. (b) Specific uses of plan.--Among other uses, it is intended that the State water plan will be used to: (1) Identify and prioritize water resource and water supply development projects to be carried out by private organizations or government agencies. (2) Provide information to public and private decision makers regarding water availability to help guide efficient investment and economic development. (3) Identify opportunities for improving operation of this Commonwealth's existing water resources infrastructure. (4) Guide the development and implementation of policies and programs by State agencies that will reduce the risk of flooding, water shortages from drought and conflicts between water users or uses. (4) Guide the development and implementation of policies and programs by State agencies that will reduce the risk of flooding, water shortages from drought and conflicts between water users or uses. (5) Guide policies on activities that directly and significantly affect the quantity and quality of water available with the objective of balancing and encouraging multiple uses of water resources. (6) Educate public officials and the public at large regarding the sources and uses of water in this Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania Legal Code