§ 1-704. Water and sewerage systems

   (a) Legislative policy. -- 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) Authority. --

   (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.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 23A, § 2A(b)(1), (2), art. 25, § 3D(b)(1), (2), art. 25A, § 5A(b)(1), (2), art. 25B, § 13B(b)(1), (2); 2013, ch. 119, § 2.