Proposed Water Regulations

Proposed Actions provide the full text of proposed regulations and amendments, an estimate of the economic impact of an action on the regulated parties, the agency, other State or local agencies, and the general public. Proposed Actions also detail how the public may provide comments to an agency about a proposed regulation.

All Notices of Proposed Action are published in the Maryland Register.

As of 09/8/2026

Proposed regulations that are pending:

Regulation Title	Nontidal Wetland Mitigation
Purpose	These amendments to existing regulations improve options for mitigating impacts on wetlands to achieve the goal of no-net-loss of these important ecosystems and will provide consistency with the 2008 Federal Mitigation Rule.
COMAR	26.23.01-26.23.05
Relevant Statutory Deadline
Public Informational and Formal Comment Opportunities	Comment period ends December 18, 2025. Public listening sessions on October 15, 23, and 30.
Other Documents
Status	Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published on September 19, 2025 for draft regulations.

Regulation Title	Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards
Purpose	The Department is proposing to revise water quality standards regulations as part of the 2025 Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards
COMAR	26.08.01 - 26.08.02
Relevant Statutory Deadline
Public Informational and Formal Comment Opportunities	The public comment period for the proposed regulations will be open from October 16, 2026 - November 18, 2026. Public hearing will be held October 29, 2026.
Other Documents	A copy of the proposed regulations is provided here. \| For more information, please visit the Department’s 2025 Triennial Review webpage here.
Status	We are completing our Administrative, Executive, & Legal Review (AELR) and anticipate a Notice of Proposed Action in the October 16, 2026 edition of the Maryland Register.

Number of Proposed Water Regulations : 2