Appropriation or Use of Waters, Reservoirs, and Dams (Maryland)

Last modified on February 12, 2015.

EZFeed Policy

Place	Maryland
Applies to States or Provinces	Maryland
Name	Appropriation or Use of Waters, Reservoirs, and Dams (Maryland)
Policy Category	Other Policy
Policy Type	Environmental Regulations
Affected Technologies	Coal with CCS, Hydroelectric, Hydroelectric (Small), Nuclear
Active Policy	Yes
Implementing Sector	State/Province
Primary Website	http://www.mde.state.md.us/programs/Water/Water_Supply/Pages/waterresourcemanagement.aspx
Last Review	2014-09-15

Summary

It is state policy to control the use and appropriation of ground and surface waters of the state. A permit from the Department of the Environment is required prior to the construction or operation of any plant, building, or structure that will appropriate or use any waters of the state. The applicant must provide the Department that the proposed water withdrawal will not jeopardize the State's natural water resources. Some exemptions – including for domestic water use, agricultural use of less than 10,000 gallons per day on average, and groundwater use of 5,000 gallons of water per day or less – apply. Permits from the Department are likewise required prior to the construction, alteration, or repair of any reservoir, dam, or waterway obstruction. Some exemptions apply. This legislation contains additional information on exemptions, required information notices and public hearings, Department considerations in acting on permit applications, measuring and reporting of water use, compliance, and additional regulations.

Policy Contact

Department	Maryland Department of the Environment
Address	1800 Washington Boulevard
Place	Baltimore, Maryland
Zip/Postal Code	21230
Phone	(410) 537-3000

Authorities (Please contact the if there are any file problems.)

Authority 1:	Environment Article, 5-501 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland

Authority 2:	COMAR 26.17.04

Authority 3:	COMAR 26.17.06

Authority 4:	COMAR 26.17.07