Drinking Water - Regulation - Control and Prevention of Waterborne Disease

HB 204 establishes new requirements to control Legionella and other waterborne diseases in Maryland's public water systems. It directly affects water suppliers (operators of systems serving 15+ connections or 25+ people) and building owners, requiring them to implement water management programs, conduct regular disinfectant testing, and provide public notices during distribution system disruptions. The bill mandates testing for minimum disinfectant levels, investigation of Legionnaires' disease cases, and creates a fund using collected penalties to support public education campaigns. Penalties for violations range from $100 to $1,000 per day, depending on system size, with funds directed to the Maryland Department of Health for disease prevention efforts.