Results Statement: Carroll County has a safe and adequate water supply both now and in the future.

In repeated needs assessments, the people of our community have identified concerns about the availability of an adequate water supply and the safety of water for drinking and recreation. Concerns have grown more urgent as the population has grown, and during times of drought. Several towns have restricted growth due to limited water supply. New water sources are being developed, but real concerns about water will remain.

Everyone can take an active part in protecting water supply with daily conservation habits. We must work together to assure the availability of clean water - an essential resource for healthy life.

Partnership Staff Contact:
Laurie Hegg
410-876-4818
LHegg@dhmh.state.md.us

Click on the organizational chart items to view the details of each.

Water Leadership Team

Water quality and safety affect health and can have an impact on recreation opportunities. Water supply impacts growth and economic development of towns and the county.  

The Resource Conservation Coalition formed under the Partnership with community volunteers and county representatives.  Members participated in drafting the Carroll County Comprehensive Water Conservation Plan in 2007 and 2008, which has since been approved by the Commissioners and municipalities. Several County departments and Councils address water as well.  The Coalition sees its role as educational, to provide awareness of resources and encourage citizens to take an active role in protecting water and other environmental resources.

The group encourages citizens with private wells to learn about proper maintenance of wells and sewage systems to protect their water and others in the area.  Over 40 % of county residents are on private wells.  See links to the Carroll County Bureau of Environmental Health for online publications of “Your Well” and “Septic System Manual”. You may also request these manuals from the Health Department at 410-876-1884.

The Coalition encourages citizens to be cautious in the use of chemicals in household cleaners, pesticides and lawn care products and to use the least harmful and environmentally safe products available.  Do not flush medications down the drain or toilet. These products eventually end of in the water supply.  See website for Maryland Department of the Environment for suggestions.

The group meets quarterly and welcomes new members, including students.

Water Conservation ActionTeam

The Water Conservation Action Team provides water conservation resource materials for community events and groups.  They partner with the County’s Water Conservation Program, which provides free and low-cost water saving devices to the public.  Order forms are available online at www.ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/util/orderfrm.  Saving water saves money! Water conservation tips are available at the county’s website and on MDE website.

The Water Conservation team also promotes water-saving landscape techniques and works with the Carroll County Master Gardener Program to educate the public about this.  The group encourages residents to learn about rain barrels, native plants, drought-resistant plants, shrubs and trees, mulching, watering and other water-saving practices.

If all residents make small changes in daily habits, it will add up to big changes in overall water usage and availability.

Links

American Water Works Association
Carroll County Bureau of Resource Management, Department of Planning
Carroll County Bureau of Utilities, Water Conservation Program (Adobe PDF)
Carroll County Environmental Advisory Council
Carroll County Health Department, Bureau of Environmental Health
Carroll County Water Plan
Maryland Cooperative Extension, Carroll County
Maryland Department of the Environment
Prettyboy Watershed Alliance
Prescription Meds Disposal brochure

Page updated: 01/10