Trappe adopts ordinance tightening penalties and banning unlawful water/sewer hookups

The Trappe Town Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 4-2025 at its Aug. 6, 2025 meeting, a measure the town says will strengthen enforcement and deter unauthorized water and sewer connections. The ordinance increases penalties for violating Section 14 of the Trappe Town Code and adds a provision prohibiting unlawful turn-on or connection of the Town’s water or sewer service.

Attorney Ryan Showalter told the Council the Lakeside developer had no objection to the ordinance and that the developer and Town are frustrated with contractors making unauthorized connections. Administrator Erin Braband and James Cook said the Town has purchased 100 additional water meter locks to be installed as soon as they arrive; James Cook said the locks will be removed only when a water meter has been officially installed. The Council voted 5-0 (Schmidt Y, Sullivan Y, Newnam Y, Potter Y, Chase Y) to adopt the ordinance.

The ordinance follows a public hearing held that evening; proponents argued the measure is needed to protect the Town’s water supply and revenue stream. Town officials said the locks will be kept and managed by the Town to prevent future unauthorized service activations and that signs in English and Spanish have been posted in development areas warning contractors that only Town staff may make service connections.

The ordinance is effective as adopted and town staff will begin lock installations and enforcement actions under the revised penalty schedule. The Council made no other changes to the ordinance during the meeting.