contents

introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
Water in Montgomery County…………………………………………………………………. 7

a strategic framework……………………………………………………………………………….. 13
Plans………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
Policies……………………………………………………………………………………………… 17
Regulatory Framework…………………………………………………………………………… 19

water supply………………………………………………………………………………………………. 21
Findings…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 21
Sources……………………………………………………………………………………………… 21
Treatment and Protection……………………………………………………………………….. 22
Regional Forecasts………………………………………………………………………………… 24

wastewater………………………………………………………………………………………………… 25
Findings…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 25
Collection and Conveyance……………………………………………………………………. 25
Treatment…………………………………………………………………………………………… 26
Emerging Contaminants…………………………………………………………………………. 27

stormwater and water quality……………………………………………………………………. 29

Findings…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 29
Sources……………………………………………………………………………………………..... 30
Treatment……………………………………………………………………………………………. 30
Water Quality Monitoring………………………………………………………………………. 31
Regulatory Framework…………………………………………………………………………… 32
Nutrient Loading Analysis………………………………………………………………………. 40

looking ahead…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 45

policies and recommendations…………………………………………………………………… 45

Land Use and Growth Policy…………………………………………………………………… 45
Stormwater and Water Quality…………………………………………………………………. 46
Water Supply and Wastewater…………………………………………………………………. 47

implementation………………………………………………………………………………………….. 49

Many agencies contributed to this Plan. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), and the
County’s Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP), Permitting Services (DPS), Transportation (DOT),
Economic Development (DED), and General Services (DGS) all provided information and guidance in
developing the Plan’s policies and recommendations. Their assistance is gratefully acknowledged.

Photos on the cover (lower left) and on pages 7, 10, and 29 are courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration/Department of Commerce.