# Public Utilities (GPU)

## Title 24. Plumbing, Waterworks, and Sewer Construction

### Subtitle 2. Sewer Cleaning and Sewage Leaks

#### Section 24-201

(a)

  (1) In this section, "sewer cleaning" means the cleaning or clearing of and the removal of stoppages or obstructions in sanitary sewer lines, pipes, and fixtures.

  (2) "Sewer cleaning" does not include any installation, maintenance, extension, removal, or alteration of any pipe, sanitary fixture, or other sewer apparatus.

(b) This section may not be construed to:

  (1) require a person to have a sewer cleaner's license to clean a sewer on the person's own property;

  (2) prevent a person from cleaning a sewer on the person's own property; or

  (3) apply to or prohibit the cleaning by any person of a sewer or sanitary fixture of any dwelling, commercial or industrial establishment, or premises owned or operated by the person.

(c) The Commission shall adopt and enforce regulations governing sewer cleaning in sanitary sewer lines, pipes, and fixtures connected to the Commission's sanitary sewer system.

(d)

  (1)

    (i) To qualify for a sewer cleaner's license, a person need not be a master plumber.

    (ii) A sewer cleaner's license does not authorize the licensee to engage in the plumbing business other than sewer cleaning.

  (2) The Commission:

    (i) shall require that a person other than a licensed master plumber who is engaged in or represents the person to the public as engaged in sewer cleaning be licensed by the Commission;

    (ii) may require a bond of the licensee to insure compliance with and adherence to the regulations adopted by the Commission;

    (iii) may establish qualifications and examine applicants concerning their competency and qualifications for a license under this section; and

    (iv) may require a reasonable fee for the issuance and renewal of a license in an amount not more than one-half of the fee charged for a master plumber's license.

#### Section 24-202

(a) Within 24 hours of the discovery of a leak in a sanitary sewer line, pipe, or fixture that is connected to the sanitary sewer system of the Commission, the Commission shall:

  (1) notify the county and any municipal corporation in which the sewage leak is located about:

    (i) the sewage leak; and

    (ii) the Commission's intended action concerning the sewage leak; and

  (2) include the following on the Commission's website:

    (i) notice to the general public about the sewage leak; and

    (ii) the phone number for obtaining additional information from the Commission.

(b) The Commission shall adopt regulations to implement this section.

#### Section 24-203

(a) In this section, "public access point" includes a parking lot, playground, picnic area, boat launching ramp, or park.

(b) Within 24 hours after a leak is reported, the Commission shall post warning signs at each public access point to a waterway that becomes contaminated by a leak in a sanitary sewer line, pipe, or fixture that is connected to the sanitary sewer system of the Commission.

(c) A warning sign posted under this section shall include:

  (1) the source and date of discovery of the leak; and

  (2) the contact information, including a telephone number, of the Commission for members of the general public to use for obtaining additional information.

(d) The Commission:

  (1) shall post the warning signs downstream from the leak in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commission; and

  (2) is not required to post any warning sign upstream from a leak.

(e) The Commission shall adopt regulations to implement this section, including regulations concerning:

  (1) the minimum distance from the source of a leak within which warning signs must be posted; and

  (2) the form and content of the warning signs.

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Md. Code Ann., Pub. Util. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)