Maryland's Water-allocation Ordinance

A new "water allocation ordinance" is unheard of on the East coast, but could become a model for fast-growing communities.

1 minute read

September 26, 2002, 12:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


At the moment, Frederick has barely enough water to meet its daily needs. "Now, 18 months after imposing a ban on new development and becoming one of the few East Coast cities to experience a water-supply crisis brought on by rapid growth and bad planning, Frederick city leaders last week approved a measure aimed at preventing such problems in the future.... The ordinance, which city officials began drafting eight months ago, will take effect when the current crisis ends. It will limit developers' access to water once Frederick has enough surplus to warrant lifting the construction moratorium."

Thanks to NACDUrban Listserv

Monday, September 23, 2002 in The Washington Post

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