Shapiro Signs Water-Supply Rule for Pennsylvania Developments
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed legislation requiring municipalities to document an intended public or communal water supplier before granting final approval for subdivision and land-development projects. The statewide rule will apply to residential, commercial, industrial and proposed data center developments, but it does not require proof that sufficient water capacity is already available.
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 1287, now Act 58 of 2026, establishing a statewide water-supply documentation requirement for Pennsylvania subdivision and land-development approvals. Beginning Dec. 7, municipalities must obtain evidence identifying an intended public or communal water supplier before issuing final approval.
The measure affects developments including proposed data centers, which can place significant demands on local water infrastructure. However, the law does not require developers to conclusively demonstrate that adequate capacity exists; documentation may include an application for a Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission certificate. The legislation passed unanimously in both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and was sponsored by state Sen. Dawn Keefer, with Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. as a co-sponsor.