AGRICULTURAL WATER APPROPRIATION, USE AND CONSERVATION
 

    We urge MDE to consider all agricultural water withdrawal permits in use before increasing water withdrawal permits or approving new water withdrawal permits for municipalities or subdivisions when these lands coincide. ’07

    We urge MDA, MDE and DNR to work with the U.S. Geological Survey in updating computer models for Maryland’s underground aquifers. ’07

    We support the recommendations of the Agricultural Water Use task force regarding the State's Water Appropriation Law. The task force proposal would eliminate agriculture's exemption for a permit and provide priorities for agricultural usage with a simple reporting system. '04

    We oppose any fees for permits or any fees for agriculture water use in the state. '04

    Under the State Water Application Law, MDE is the only agency that may restrict water usage in Maryland. We believe MDE should continue to be the only authority in this area. Local governments should not be allowed to regulate water usage. Agricultural water use should continue to be exempt from usage control. '04

    We urge the State of Maryland to reinforce agriculture’s right to use water for irrigation. '04