Section 1-704 - Water and sewerage systems(a) 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)(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.Revised and recodified by 2013 Md. Laws, Ch. 119,Sec. 2, eff. 10/1/2013.