Charles County, MD Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)

8 MGD of reclaimed effluent during the nonpeak season (October-March). Before any industrial or outdoor user can draw reclaimed effluent, a purchase agreement between the County Commissioners and the purchaser must be signed, unless bulk allocation requirements under § 291-56B(4) already apply. 33% non-firm). Applicants file an allocation application detailing intended use and estimated demand; the County must notify the applicant of its decision within 15 days. On tentative approval, a non-firm applicant has 60 days to deposit one year's worth of reclaimed effluent purchase costs, while a firm applicant must deposit two years' worth in that same 60-day window; a final allocation is granted once the deposit clears.

The monthly usage fee combines a per-1,000-gallon purchase charge, which the County updates annually in its Fees and Charges Schedule, with a 25% surcharge for operation and maintenance costs.