Hydro Corp to inspect Michigan businesses for water safety compliance

The Board of County Commissioners meeting held on March 18, 2025, focused on the implementation of a new ordinance aimed at ensuring the safety and compliance of commercial water systems in Washington County, Maryland. The meeting began with discussions regarding the necessity of inspections for commercial accounts, which will be conducted by Hydro Corp, a specialized company based in Michigan.

Commissioners emphasized the importance of these inspections to ensure that businesses meet safety codes. Hydro Corp will train personnel to inspect local commercial accounts and provide necessary guidance for compliance. The cost for these inspections is proposed to be $65 per commercial account annually, which will be billed through the county's water billing system, making the program self-sustaining.

A significant point of discussion was the management of private wells, particularly those used for irrigation. The ordinance aims to prevent any potential contamination of the public water supply by ensuring that these wells are properly separated from the public system. This is crucial as some irrigation wells may contain non-potable water that could pose health risks if mixed with the public supply.

After thorough discussion, the commissioners moved to vote on the proposed ordinance. The motion received unanimous support, passing with a 4-0 vote. The meeting concluded with a commitment to implement the new policy, which is expected to enhance public health and safety regarding water supply management in the county.