Definitions.

As used in this act:

(1) “Community standards” means, with respect to water and sewer utility rates, rates that are on a par with other rates in the county, or similar utility jurisdictions in surrounding counties, after accounting for relative household incomes or other measures of affordability and size of customer base, all as may be further defined by department rule.

(2) “Department” means the Department of Environmental Protection.

(3) “Privately owned water-wastewater utility” means a water or wastewater utility whose utility assets are privately owned.