County staff outlines water resources element: stormwater, PFAS, reservoirs and next steps for master plan review

Carroll County planning staff reviewed a draft Water Resources Element (WRE) of the county master-plan update at the Sept. 16 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, outlining current water and wastewater capacity, stormwater and climate-change strategies, and measures to address emerging contaminants such as PFAS and lithium.

Brenda (county planning staff) said the WRE was prepared to meet state guidance and to identify both near-term actions and long-term supply alternatives. The presentation covered three core areas: drinking water and wastewater capacity; stormwater and floodplain management; and emerging contaminants and monitoring. Staff asked the commission whether the county should send the draft WRE to the state for the required 60-day review; staff also scheduled a public information meeting and said a public hearing would follow the state review.

Why it matters: The WRE documents countywide water and wastewater capacity, highlights infrastructure limitations and identifies potential long-range options (reservoirs, quarry intakes, groundwater wells and potable reuse). The element will inform…