Maryland § 1-704

§ 1-704.

    (a)    It is the policy of the State to authorize each county and municipality to displace or limit competition in the area of water and sewerage systems to:

        (1)    assure delivery of adequate, economical, and efficient water and sewerage services;

        (2)    avoid duplication of water and sewerage facilities;

        (3)    control disease and provide for the public health and safety;

        (4)    prevent environmental degradation;

        (5)    protect natural resources;

        (6)    use the public right–of–way efficiently; and

        (7)    promote the general welfare by providing adequate water and sewerage systems.

    (b)    (1)    Notwithstanding any anticompetitive effect, a county or municipality may:

            (i)    grant one or more franchises or enter into contracts for water or sewerage systems on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis;

            (ii)    impose franchise fees;

            (iii)    establish charges and rates applicable to the franchise; and

            (iv)    adopt rules, regulations, and licensing requirements for the operation of the franchise.

        (2)    If another law grants a county or municipality the authority to operate water and sewerage systems, the county or municipality shall operate the systems without regard to any anticompetitive effect.