Speakers at the May 20, 2010 joint public hearing on St. Mary's County zoning and ordinance revisions told commissioners they oppose a proposed requirement to install public water systems for all subdivisions of 25 or more homes and urged case‑by‑case consideration.

Bernard (Bernie) Chalmers, who identified himself as a longtime contractor and well‑industry business owner, said the U.S. Geological Survey estimated in 2005 that nearly 929,000 Maryland residents were served by individual well systems and argued that ‘‘on‑site individual systems typically work extremely well with very little maintenance’’ and are cost‑effective. Chalmers said a blanket requirement for public systems could ‘‘devastate the water well industry and their local jobs.’'

Buddy Winslow, who said he lives in the county and works in the geothermal industry, also criticized the draft ordinance language (identified in the hearing as Section 70.9A) that would require public water systems for subdivisions exceeding 25 homes. Winslow told the board that forced public systems can increase maintenance costs, pose security concerns, and in some nearby counties have led to removal of public systems because of high upkeep costs. He said individual wells are ‘‘much more economical, safer, and better for the environment’’ in many local, small‑subdivision situations.

Both speakers asked county staff and elected officials to evaluate water‑supply policy on a site‑specific basis instead of adopting a uniform mandate. No formal motion or vote on that provision occurred at the May 20 hearing; staff acknowledged the comments and said written comments would be accepted through June 15 and that staff will collate public input for upcoming planning‑commission work sessions.

The hearing record included related technical recommendations from other commenters: Bob Massey suggested creating a specific ordinance variant section to address evolving stormwater management and redevelopment techniques and to allow county review of emerging best practices (for example, environmental site design, or ESD). Hamer Campbell, representing the Maryland National Capital Building Industry Association, signaled broader industry concern about density and mapping changes that could interact with utility requirements if properties are rezoned.

Staff did not present a finalized requirement for adoption at the hearing; the public comment period and follow‑up work sessions will be the venue for further consideration.