Ch. 679

LAWS OF MARYLAND

system was first made available for use, the uniform rate
requirement does not preclude the Commission from imposing a
connection charge on property owners connecting with the mains
more than 6 months after the installation of the water or sewer
system within the subdistrict, nor does it preclude the
Commission from imposing a connection charge greater in amount
than that imposed on property owners connecting with the system
within 6 months after its installation in the subdistrict. The
amount of any such connection charge shall be fixed by the
Commission and may be revised periodically by the Commission.
All of the revenue above actual cost derived from the connection
charges shall be credited by the Commission to a special account
on its books from which expenditures may be made for repairs,
replacements, or any extraordinary expense in the maintenance and
operation of the water systems, sewerage systems or surface
drainage systems under its control. When any water main or sewer
is declared by the Commission complete and ready for the delivery
of water or the reception of sewage, every abutting property
owner, after due notice, shall make a connection of all spigots
or hydrants, toilets and waste drains with the water main or
sewer within the time prescribed by the Commission. Where those
fixtures do not exist or are of a nature which the Commission
believes is improper or inadequate, satisfactory equipment shall
be installed by the owner on the premises consisting of at least
1 water closet and 1 sink or washbasin, both of which shall be
properly connected with the sewer of the District. All SEPTIC
TANK SYSTEMS, cesspools, sink drains and privies located on
properties connected to sewers provided by the Commission shall
be abandoned, closed and left in a sanitary condition so that no
odor or nuisance arises from them. IF A PROPERTY OWNER HAS NOT
CONNECTED TO THE WATER OR SEWER SYSTEM BY THE TIME LIMIT SET BY
THE COMMISSION, AND THE COMMISSION HAS FOUND THAT THE FAILURE TO
CONNECT SHOULD NOT BE EXCUSED FOR GOOD CAUSE, THE COMMISSION MAY
REQUIRE PAYMENT FOR SERVICE THAT IS AVAILABLE EVEN IF THE
PROPERTY HAS NOT BEEN CONNECTED. Any violation of the provisions
of this section is a misdemeanor punishable under Section 6-1004.

6-8.01.

(b) (4) If requested by the owner of any property, the
Commission may IN ITS DISCRETION bill tenants of property for
water consumed by the tenants, rather than the owner. However,

those property owners are not excused from liability for any
unpaid bills for water consumed on the premises. If the bill
remains unpaid 30; days after it is sent, the Commission shall
give written notice left on the premises or mailed both to the
tenant, if any, and to the owner at his last known address.
Then, the commission may turn off the water from the property in
question and the water may not be turned on again until the bill,
together with all other bills for water service chargeable
against that property, has been paid in full. Payment shall
include the penalty that the Commission establishes in the

schedule or rates. If the bill remains unpaid 60 days after it

- 3156 -