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Planning commission forwards DPW text amendment on county‑owned water/sewer connections with irrigation exemption
Summary
Calvert County Planning Commission on Feb. 27 directed staff to circulate a DPW text amendment to require county‑owned facilities to connect to public water and sewer lines within 300 feet, incorporating explicit language exempting agricultural irrigation wells, and to schedule a May 21, 2025 public hearing.
The Planning Commission on Feb. 27 directed staff to circulate a proposed Department of Public Works text amendment to the Calvert County Water and Sewerage Comprehensive Plan that would require county‑owned facilities to connect to public water and sewer services when lines are available within 300 feet, and to schedule a Planning Commission public hearing for May 21, 2025. The commission’s motion added staff language clarifying the amendment would not require the closure of agricultural irrigation wells.
James Ritter, director of enterprise funds for the Department of Public Works, told commissioners the intent is to "mandat[e] connection to available public water and sewer services within 300 feet" to improve efficiency, environmental protection and reduce reliance on septic systems and private wells. Ritter said no existing county facilities would be immediately affected by the rule change and that the amendment could apply to future projects and county level facilities regardless of their current map category. Commissioners asked whether nonpotable irrigation wells would be required to close; Ritter replied, "No. We would not direct for drinking water to be used for irrigation. That would not be a goal." Staff agreed to add explicit wording to preserve irrigation wells for nonpotable use.
Action and next steps: the commission voted to send the amendment to agencies for review with the added irrigation exemption language and to notify agencies and adjoining jurisdictions at least 60 days before a May 21 public hearing. The transcript records the motion subsequently passing 7‑0.
Why it matters: the change would require county‑owned facilities to use existing public infrastructure when available (within a 300‑foot threshold), which planners said could improve public health and environmental protection by reducing septic use and make more efficient use of water and sewer infrastructure. Staff indicated the amendment aligns with long‑term county planning goals and best practices in utility management.
Implementation notes: staff will prepare the revised draft including the irrigation exemption, send it to agencies for comment and return findings to the planning commission prior to the public hearing.
