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Trappe Council adopts ordinance tightening penalties and banning unauthorized water/sewer turn‑ons
Summary
The Trappe Town Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 4‑2025 on Aug. 6, 2025, increasing penalties for violations of the town’s Water and Sewer code and banning unlawful turn‑on or connection of the municipal water or sewer system; the town will install 100 new meter locks to enforce the rule.
The Trappe Town Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 4‑2025 on Aug. 6, 2025, strengthening penalties for violating Section 14 of the Town Code (Water and Sewer) and adding a prohibition on unlawful turn‑on or connection of Town water or sewer service. President Newnam read the ordinance during a public hearing before the regular meeting.
Attorney Ryan Showalter, speaking for the Lakeside developer, said the developer “has no objection to the Ordinance and they are just as frustrated with the contractors as the Town is.” Administrator Erin Braband and James Cook told the Council the Town has purchased 100 additional water‑meter locks; Braband said the Town will be the only holder of keys and will remove a lock only when a water meter has been properly installed. Commissioner Potter moved to adopt the ordinance; Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion and the vote was 5–0.
Why it matters: the change gives the Town clearer enforcement tools and a monetary deterrent against contractors or residents who connect service without Town authorization. The adoption follows public notice and a hearing opened at 5:55 p.m. and closed at 6:01 p.m.
The ordinance text revises Section 14 and adds a provision prohibiting unlawful turn‑on or connection; the Council did not amend the ordinance on the floor. The Town will implement meter locks and related enforcement as part of the ordinance rollout.
