Ehrlich considering new state water policy

A policy to lease or sell water on and under state lands is being considered by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.’s administration in response to towns needing water for new homes, a newspaper reported yesterday.

But critics say such a policy could create intense development on the borders of state parks.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources officials told The (Baltimore) Sun that they have received about a dozen requests from towns. The towns want either to tap into deep groundwater aquifers under state property or use surface water flowing through state parks to accommodate new homes and businesses.

The state...