HARRY HUGHES, Governor

3293

(House Joint Resolution No. 39)

A House Joint Resolution concerning

Maryland's Water Supply

FOR the purpose of requesting the Department of Natural
Resources to establish a water conservation strategy
for the State of Maryland; appointing requesting a
commission study to examine the sufficiency of
Maryland's water supply for present and future demands;

and requiring the commission to report its

recommendations to study to be submitted to the
Governor and General Assembly by a certain date.

WHEREAS, The Tidewater Virginia area, including the
cities of Suffolk, Norfolk, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach,
is facing a severe water shortage that has caused
restriction on the use of water that has effected personal
water consumption, threatened the tourist industry, and
slowed economic development; and

WHEREAS, Areas of Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey
and New York served by the Delaware River Basin are
experiencing severe water shortages with reservoir levels at
one-third of normal capacity, causing the Mayor of New York
to impose mandatory water restrictions; and

WHEREAS, Maryland's population is rapidly expanding and
the demand for water is rapidly increasing; and

WHEREAS, Water appropriation permits in Maryland are
required for most but not all water uses; and

WHEREAS, Section 8-203 of Natural Resources Article
requires the Department of Natural Resources to develop a
general water resources program which contemplates proper
conservation and development of the waters of the State; and

WHEREAS, Water shortages can adversely impact
individuals and economic development; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources is
requested to propose, in conjunction with the Maryland Water
Supply and Conservation Commission,- a water conservation
strategy for the State of Maryland by July 1, 1982; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Department of
Natural Resources should update the 1965 Water Supply and
Demand Study by July 1, 1982; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a Maryland Water Supply and Conservation
Commission shall be appointed Study shall be undertaken to
examine the water supply in Maryland and to propose water
conservation measures, specifically addressing: