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MDE pitches House Bill 25 to expand potable reuse program; bill would make Westminster pilot permanent
Summary
The Maryland Department of the Environment urged committee members to support HB 25, which would create a permanent reservoir-augmentation (indirect potable reuse) program based on a 2023 Westminster pilot; MDE said strict treatment standards and regulatory oversight would apply.
The Maryland Department of the Environment asked the Environment and Transportation Committee for a favorable report on House Bill 25, which would establish a statewide reservoir-augmentation or indirect potable reuse program building on a 2023 pilot in the City of Westminster.
Alex Butler and Greg Busch of MDE described the program’s purpose: treat reclaimed wastewater to drinking-water standards, store it temporarily in a reservoir, then treat it again to produce drinking water for eventual consumption. Greg Busch said the approach is “science-based” and already in use in other states and countries.
MDE said the program is designed to address localized water constraints driven by climate change and population growth, and that the pilot program (which sunsets in 2028) demonstrated feasibility. Agency witnesses said eligible systems would need to meet rigorous treatment and regulatory requirements and that the bill contains technical edits clarifying terminology.
Committee members asked few questions during the short presentation; MDE emphasized the bill would apply only in areas with demonstrated need and that regulatory oversight and treatment standards would mirror established practices in other states.
Ending — Next steps: No committee vote was taken at the hearing. MDE requested a favorable report and the panel indicated it would consider MDE’s technical language.
