Environment – Collection and Reporting of Drinking Water and Wastewater Data and Information – Requirements
The bill establishes a statewide Open Water Data Reporting Platform, which will serve as a public resource for data related to drinking water and wastewater services. This platform is intended to improve equity by ensuring that all residents, particularly those in low-income areas, have visibility into water service quality and availability. Additionally, the Department will conduct regular reviews of the data provided to ensure ongoing compliance and to identify any new data collection needs or improvements to the existing structure.
Senate Bill 513 addresses the collection and reporting of data related to drinking water and wastewater services in Maryland. The bill mandates that water utilities operating in the state provide specific data to the Department of the Environment. This data includes information on the number of service connections, households served, financial metrics, and compliance with health standards. By requiring this reporting, SB513 aims to enhance accountability and transparency regarding public access to safe water services.
One point of contention surrounding SB513 is the potential burden it places on smaller water utilities, which may lack the resources to meet the extensive data reporting requirements. While supporters argue that transparency is vital for public health and environmental standards, critics express concern that the fines for non-compliance could disproportionately affect smaller entities and ultimately lead to higher water rates for consumers. The bill provides for civil penalties for utilities that fail to comply, potentially raising debates about regulatory impacts on service affordability.