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House approves aquifer recharge pilot despite floor concerns about demineralized water
Summary
House Bill 1296, establishing an aquifer recharge pilot program, passed after delegates raised questions about reverse‑osmosis treatment, demineralized water and risks of injecting processed water into aquifers. Proponents said similar projects exist in other counties; opponents urged caution.
Annapolis — The Maryland House on March 8, 2025, approved House Bill 1296, establishing an aquifer recharge pilot program intended to test managed recharge techniques.
During floor debate a delegate expressed concern about using water treated by reverse osmosis for injection, saying reverse osmosis processes produce a high proportion of waste and leave ‘‘demineralized’’ or “dead” water. The delegate asked where reject or waste streams would be sent and warned about long‑term effects of injecting demineralized water into aquifers, calling the prospect “a little bit creepy.”
A floor speaker noted there are similar projects elsewhere — including a Carroll County program with above‑ground collection — and urged members to consider technical differences between approaches. After questions and discussion the House recorded 104 votes in the affirmative and the clerk declared House Bill 1296 passed on third reading and final passage.
The transcript record shows floor discussion focused on conceptual and technical concerns about aquifer chemistry, reverse osmosis efficiency, and long‑term effects on groundwater quality; no implementing details were provided on the floor about monitoring protocols or specific chemical standards.
