What is a Critical Water User?
The Howard County Bureau of Utilities defines a critical water user as a business or facility that uses water as a critical function of their overall process. This includes, but is not limited to: hospitals, health care facilities, nursing homes, assisted living centers, day care centers, and schools.
Even if you do not fall under one of the aforementioned categories, other businesses may be considered a critical water user based on the nature of their operations. Residents may be considered a critical water user as well, based upon their medical conditions and associated water needs.
The Howard County Bureau of Utilities has created a form that can be filled out and submitted back to the Bureau for those businesses and residents who wish to be added to the critical user list. Private citizen water customers are required to provide written documentation from their medical provider to be placed on the list, which can be included as an attachment when submitting the form.
The critical user list will be used as a reference document to make provisions to minimize impact to these critical users when an unplanned, emergency and/or scheduled service outage occurs. Please note that inclusion on this critical water user list is not a guarantee of notification, as some water emergencies may occur without warning. Unplanned water service disruptions can be caused by main breaks, valve failures, or loss of electrical power. Because some water service interruptions are unplanned, it is imperative that critical water users are adequately prepared for such emergencies. Please ensure that you keep a supply of water on hand to meet your needs.
If you believe that you are a Critical Water User and would like to fill out a form to potentially be added to the list, please click the link below.
On an annual basis, all Critical Water Users will be asked by email or letter to provide updated contact information (if applicable) and verify their need for this notification.