Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Regulations

Now Available Online Watershed Use Permits

Permitted Activities Specific Activities Prohibited Permits Maps and Directions Watershed Use Permit Fees Boating Boat Mooring Fishing Hunting  Picnicking Horseback Riding Responsibility of WSSC Violations of Regulations Current Fees Watershed use for Season $60 Watershed use for one day $5  Boat Mooring during season  $75 Winter Mooring Fee $50 Boat/craft Removal Fee $100 Monthly storage fee for pulled boats $80 Day Rental for the Azalea Garden or BioBrick Building $125

Description:

Governing Use of Triadelphia and T. Howard Duckett (Rocky Gorge) Watersheds (Regional Source of Water Supply for the Suburban Maryland Area)

These regulations are adopted by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission for the purpose of preventing pollution and securing the sanitary protection of the water of Triadelphia and T. Howard Duckett Reservoirs, and their tributaries, on the Patuxent River. The water from these reservoirs is used as a source of water supply for the Washington Suburban Sanitary District. These regulations also provide for the protection of the Commission’s property surrounding the reservoirs against damage from vandalism, erosion and fire, while permitting the limited use of the reservoirs for fishing, recreational boating, picnicking, hunting and horseback riding.  

The Commission recognizes the recreational value of the reservoirs and land to the public and will permit their use therefore to such extent as the Commission deems consistent with the purpose for which the reservoirs were created and the land acquired -- that of providing and protecting a public water supply.  

The Commission owns all the land bordering on the reservoirs and has planted several hundred thousand evergreen and deciduous trees for the protection of this land against soil erosion. These trees, some of which are still small, must be protected from destruction.
 

These Regulations Cover All Commission Property, Including The Reservoirs.

Watershed Use Regulations

Triadelphia and T. Howard Duckett Watersheds

The WSSC reservoirs are a source of drinking water for residents, businesses and visitors in the region. WSSC adopts and enforces these regulations to protect these reservoirs from pollution, vandalism, misuse, and erosion.

Use of WSSC’s Watershed shall be consistent with the purpose to provide and protect the public water supply.

Adequate protection of the reservoirs and watershed requires that some areas be closed to the public, and those areas are marked with permanent or temporary signs indicating “no trespassing” or other restriction signs. Unless otherwise directed, the public may use designated access points that provide entry to designated roads that provide access to areas suitable for boat mooring and launching, fishing, hunting, and picnics.  

The WSSC reserves the right, without prior notice, to close a portion of the watershed or close it entirely if the water levels drop to unacceptable levels, or for any other reason that in the WSSC’s sole discretion may place the health and safety of the watershed, WSSC’s systems or WSSC’s customers at risk. 

Violations of Division II of the Public Utilities Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, littering, improper disposal of waste, and pollution in any manner are prohibited on WSSC property. No nuisances are allowed. Sanitary facilities are provided near fishing and picnic areas.

Pets are allowed, on leashes only, except that no pets are allowed in the Brighton Azalea Gardens. Pet owners shall pick up dog waste and deposit in trash receptacles.

Permitted Activities

1. Picnicking in designated locations
2. Fishing from designated areas of the shoreline of WSSC reservoirs.*
3. Fishing and recreational boating on large areas of the reservoirs.*
4. Mooring of personal boats (by assignment from Brighton Dam Visitors Information Center only).
5. Managed gun hunting in specified areas.*
6. Managed bow hunting in specified areas. *
7. Horseback riding on designated Access Roads *
8. Athletic activities.*
9. Celebrations in specified areas *

*WSSC Watershed Use Permit Required

Specific Activities Prohibited

1. Drinking Alcoholic Beverages.
2. Ice Skating.
3. Bathing, Wading or Swimming.
4. Motorcycling, ATV's, any off-road vehicles and Trail Biking.
5. Camping.
6. Use of WSSC property without proper permits.
7. Trespassing on posted property.
8. Loitering in parking areas or other portions of WSSC's Watershed property.
9. Disorderly conduct.
10. Littering. 
11. Disposal of dead animals or animal waste.
12. Disobeying lawful order of an officer.
13. Damaging WSSC property or facilities.
14. Advertising, solicitation or selling.
15. Possession of weapons.
16. Gambling.
17. Fox hunting
18. Horseback riding except on designated access roads.
19. Hiking or jogging.
20. Paint ball shooting or games.
21. Unsanitary practices
22. Religious ceremonies involving entering the water.
23. Loudspeakers or amplification of voices, music or sound.
24. Picnicking in non-picnicking areas.
25. Pets in the water, wading or swimming.

Permits

Every person who has reached his/her 16th birthday shall possess and carry a WSSC Watershed Use Permit (“Permit”) while boating, fishing, hunting, or horseback riding. Persons who are under 16 years of age, 65 years of age or older, or certified as disabled, do not need a Permit provided they carry proof of age or disability; however no person under 16 years of age shall be permitted in a boat unless accompanied by a person who is at least 16 years old and holds a valid WSSC Watershed Use Permit.

People who fish or hunt shall possess and carry the appropriate Maryland permits and licenses. The WSSC Watershed Use Permit must be signed to be valid. It is non-transferable and non-refundable.

 Maps and Directions

Aerial Satellite View of WSSC Recreation Areas

Interactive Google™ Maps of WSSC Recreation Areas are linked to each location title

Watershed Use Permit Fees

All persons using the Watershed shall obtain and carry a Permit (except picnicking).

Permit fees are established by the Commission and, from time to time, are subject to change.

Every WSSC Watershed Use Permit is subject to the condition that it shall be revoked whenever the Permit holder violates any WSSC regulation, law or State of Maryland law. WSSC may refuse any violator the privilege of any further use of watershed property. Any person aggrieved by the decision of WSSC to revoke his/her Permit, denial to obtain a Permit, or an assessment of fees in relation to a Permit may appeal the decision pursuant to Standard Procedure L-07-02, Procedure for Adjudicatory Hearings, by contacting the Corporate Secretary at the Richard G. Hocevar Building. No Permit fee will be refunded on revoked Permits.
 

Boating  (WSSC Watershed Use Permit required)
 

April 1 through November 15

Boating on WSSC reservoirs is only authorized from April 1 through November 15, conditions permitting, daily, from sunrise to sunset. A WSSC Watershed Use Permit is required for boating activities by every person on board unless exempt by age or disability.

The entire surface of both reservoirs, except those areas beyond lines marked with safety buoys, is available to all Permit-holding boaters. All boats, including sailboats, are limited to the designated fishing and boating waters of the reservoirs. Boaters may disembark only at launch sites.

Mandatory life jacket requirements are set by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Boaters shall know the requirements and abide by them.

Boats used for a one-day outing do not have to be registered by WSSC, but shall not be left unattended. Boats used for one-day outings shall be launched and removed only at designated launching points located at Triadelphia, Greenbridge, Scott’s Cove, and Supplee Lane.

No bodily contact with the water is allowed.

Boat specifications

Gasoline engine use is prohibited.  Boats propelled by oars, paddles, or sails are allowed. Boats propelled by electrically-operated motors (battery powered) are also permitted, provided they are equipped with suitable oars or paddles and are registered with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Surfboards, windsurfers, rafts, houseboats, mattresses, unseaworthy watercraft, or any craft which facilitates frequent body contact with the water in the reservoir, or any craft sold as a “toy” rather than a “boat” are not permitted on WSSC reservoirs. No float fishing tubes are allowed. Boats or craft less than 8 feet in length, or inflatable craft less than 9 feet in length, are not allowed.

Experimental watercraft or novelty watercraft of an unconventional design shall have specific, prior approval by WSSC before placing on the reservoirs.

The State of Maryland requires that boats carry a whistle or airhorn, and wearable personal flotation devices.

The centerboards of sailboats must be retractable.

All boats must be buoyant if submerged and shall float if they are swamped.

All inflatables shall have at least three separate air chambers.

Boats shall be of safe design and shall be in safe condition. All boats deemed by WSSC to be unsafe, or which fail to meet any of the above specifications, shall be removed from the reservoirs. If necessary, WSSC shall dispose of the boat or craft. The WSSC is not responsible for damage to, loss of, or any unauthorized use of any boat or craft, whether or not it is being held by the WSSC for violations of these regulations.

Safety load limits

The number of occupants in a boat must not exceed the manufacturer’s rated capacity. If the craft or boat does not have a permanently attached plate or label stating its capacity, the load shall not exceed the limits provided below. Anyone who exceeds the boat or craft’s rated load capacity may, in accordance with Maryland law, be charged with reckless or negligent operation, in addition to revocation of the WSSC Watershed Use Permit.
 

Safety load limits for craft not rated by manufacturer

Sailboats - Minimum 8 feet in length	# of persons
8 feet up to 10 feet	1 person
Over 10 feet to 12 feet	2 persons
Over 12 feet	4 persons

All Others - Minimum 8 feet in length	# of persons
8 feet up to 10 feet	2 person
Over 10 feet to 12 feet	3 persons
Over 12  to 14 feet	4 persons
Over 14 feet	5 persons

Boat Mooring (WSSC Watershed Use Permits required)
 

April 1 through November 15

Boats may not be moored at the Reservoirs after November 15 unless a winter mooring fee is paid in advance.

Persons wishing to moor their boat at designated areas around the reservoirs shall purchase a Mooring Permit in addition to the Season Watershed Use Permit. The boat shall be registered at WSSC’s Brighton Dam Visitors Information Center, where it will receive a registration number and registration sticker. The sticker shall be placed on the boat’s stern. A mooring fee is chargeable per mooring stake. During the winter season (November 15 to April 1), a Winter Mooring fee is chargeable. 

Boats shall be registered for a mooring space under the name of one owner. Mooring stakes shall be assigned as availability allows. The mooring areas are in Triadelphia, Greenbridge, and Scott’s Cove.

The owner of a boat assigned to a mooring stake may allow other persons to use the boat, provided the owner makes no charge for this use and the person to whom the boat is loaned has reached his/her 16th birthday, possesses a valid WSSC Watershed Use Permit and otherwise abides by the Watershed regulations and the laws of the State of Maryland.

Sailboats over 14 feet in length are not permitted to be moored.

Penalties and fees

WSSC shall remove boats if they are not removed by the November 15 close of the season, or if they are placed on the reservoir before the opening date and were not secured by a Winter Mooring fee. Boats shall also be removed if they do not have a Permit, or if they are otherwise in violation of WSSC regulations or Maryland law. The owners of all boats removed by WSSC shall be charged for payment of a penalty-removal fee. The owners of these boats shall be assessed an additional monthly storage fee, for a period not longer than one year. At the end of the year, if the boat is not recovered and the outstanding fees are not paid, the boat shall be considered WSSC property and WSSC shall dispose of it as it sees fit.

All boats kept at designated mooring areas must be securely locked at all times, except when in use. Any boat or craft that is not locked may be confiscated by WSSC, and the owner shall pay the removal fee and any charges for storage in addition to being subject to a civil citation under Division II of the Public Utilities Article, of the Maryland Annotated Code. Boat or craft removal fees and storage fees are established by the Commission and, from time to time, are subject to change.

Risk and responsibility

Registered boat or craft owners shall agree that if s/he uses a mooring stake or operates the boat or craft on the reservoir, s/he does so at her/his own and sole risk and that WSSC is not responsible for fire, theft, damage, or loss of the boat or craft or any article left in the boat or craft, and that only permission to tie up that boat or craft is granted by WSSC and no bailment is created. The acceptance of the Watershed Use Permit upon the foregoing terms and conditions is expressly acknowledged by signature on the Watershed Use Permit and the boat owner releases WSSC from any and all claims and demands for loss or injury involving the use or mooring of his/her boat or craft.

Fishing (WSSC Watershed Use Permit Required)
 

April 1 through November 15

Fishing is allowed from April 1through November 15, daily, between sunrise and sunset. All fishing is prohibited at any other time.

WSSC enforces all Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations. Fishermen shall comply with Maryland fishing regulations on fishing season, allowable species, minimum size and creel limits. Nets, handlines or other devices shall not be allowed, except that carp may be taken with bow and arrow. Fishing through the ice is prohibited.

Each person who has reached his/her 16th birthday shall possess a Maryland Angler’s License as provided by state law in order to fish. Licensed fishermen and boat passengers, except those who are exempt for reasons of age or disability, shall obtain a WSSC Watershed Use Permit.

Fishing locations

Fishing is permitted from boats and from the shores of the reservoirs at places designated by WSSC. Fishing location maps are available at the Visitors Information Center at Brighton Dam.

Fishing and boating are not allowed from Brighton Dam or in its immediate vicinity; nor is it allowed between the Dams and the floating buoy markers or the “no trespassing” signs which are approximately a half of a mile above the dam. Fishing is permitted in the Patuxent River area below the dam, and no WSSC Watershed Use Permit is required.

Fishing from the shores of the Triadelphia Reservoir shall be allowed only at the following designated locations. These areas are accessible using existing roads and do not require trespassing through restricted areas.
 

• Where Greenbridge Road terminates at the reservoir in Montgomery County, going both east and west along the shore line until coming upon the “no trespassing” signs.
• Where Triadelphia Lake Road terminates at the reservoir in Montgomery County, going east along the shoreline within the signs indicating the designated fishing boundary.
• The fishing dock, pier. Handicapped or disabled persons have priority in this area.

Fishing and boating are not allowed from the T. Howard Duckett Dam or its immediate vicinity, or between the dam and the points marked by signs and buoys.

Fishing from the shores of T. Howard Duckett Reservoir (also known as Rocky Gorge Reservoir) shall be allowed only at the following designated locations:
 

• Along the west bank only, parallel to Tucker Lane, south from Maryland State Route 108 approximately 650 yards to the “no trespassing” signs.
• Scott’s Cove adjacent to all parking lots, along the perimeter, both east and west, to the “no trespassing” signs.
• Along the south bank from the end of Supplee Lane, west to the sign, and east to the “no trespassing signs.

Hunting

(WSSC Watershed Use Permit required for all hunters aged 16 to 64. Minors under 16 years old must be accompanied by a valid permit holder.)
 

Seasonal dates determined by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources with hours specified in the Maryland State Hunting Regulations.

Hunters shall carry, and present if requested, a valid Maryland Hunting License. The game laws of the State of Maryland regarding species, bag limit and possession limit apply in every respect, except that WSSC reserves the right to further regulate, or eliminate entirely, hunting on WSSC property. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and WSSC officers have enforcement authority on WSSC property.

Hunting prohibitions

• Hunting of small game (including night hunting of raccoon and opossum), waterfowl, turkey and fox hunting is not permitted.
• Hunters shall not use dogs.
• Rifles and traps shall not be used.
• Hunters shall not use boats to gain access to hunting areas. Hunters shall not hunt from boats.
• Tree stands are only allowed if they are portable; they shall be removed daily, after use.

Bow hunting

Bow hunting is allowed on WSSC property in designated areas. Designated bow hunting areas shall be specified by WSSC. Hunting areas are subject to change, based on deer management goals.

Bow hunting season dates are determined by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, with hours specified in the Maryland State Hunting Regulations.

Gun hunting

Gun hunting is allowed on WSSC property through managed hunts. All deer harvested in managed hunts on WSSC property shall be checked in at Brighton Dam.

Managed Deer Hunt

There shall be no open access to gun hunting areas. All gun hunts shall be controlled and limited hunts. Hunters may apply for areas and dates as they become available, and permits will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to possessing valid Maryland hunting licenses, gun hunters shall carry, and present if requested, a Maryland State Shooter Qualification and a Hunter Safety Training Certificate. 

Picnicking (No Permit Required)

April 1 through November 15

Picnicking is allowed only at designated areas on WSSC property. Picnic areas are open from sunrise to sunset, from April 1 through November 15, except that the Brighton Dam Picnic Area is closed on weekends during the azalea season (April-May) and on other specific dates. Except for rental of the BioBrick Building and the Azalea Gardens, no reservations are accepted.

Picnickers shall remain within designated picnic areas. Parents or guardians shall supervise and watch children under their protection.

Charcoal fireplaces, tables, trash receptacles and sanitary facilities are provided for public use without charge.

The Azalea Garden and the BioBrick Building may be rented for events that are allowed in accordance with these regulations. Rental of the Azalea Garden will not be permitted when the area is open to the general public (normally May-Early June).

Alcoholic Beverages are not allowed on WSSC property.

Proper stewardship

Do not pollute the reservoirs, their tributaries or shores. All paper and trash shall be collected before leaving and shall be deposited in WSSC dumpsters or taken away for disposal.

Dogs are not permitted in the water. Dogs shall be kept on their leashes and owners shall pick up after them.

Only charcoal fires are permitted. All charcoal fires shall be completely extinguished after use.
 
 

Commit no nuisance or vandalism.
 

Horseback Riding

(WSSC Watershed Use Permit Required)
 

April 1 through November 15

Horseback riding is only allowed on the Access Roads, between sunrise and sunset. Fox chasing is not allowed on WSSC property.

Access Roads are closed in wet weather to protect the watershed from erosion. Access Roads shall not be used if they are wet or muddy.

Permits

Riders who are under 16 years of age, 65 years of age or older, or certified as disabled, do not need  a WSSC Watershed Use Permit, provided they carry proof of age or disability. Riders under the age of 16 do not need a permit. However, they must be accompanied by a valid permit holder. Permits are only valid when used by the person to whom it is issued, and must be carried at all times when riding on WSSC property.

The Watershed Use Permit may be revoked by WSSC whenever the holder violates these regulations, any law or other WSSC regulation. Furthermore, WSSC may refuse that person future privileges of riding on the Access Road. No refund will be made on revoked permits.

Access Road and access points

Access Roads are maintained by WSSC and are marked by signs. Entry to the Access Roads is only allowed through WSSC fence openings marked “Access Road Entrance – Riding by Paid Permit Only.”

Riding is permitted on the Access Roads located on the Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties’ side of the T. Howard Duckett Reservoir, from the electric transmission line at Brooklyn Bridge to Tucker Lane. Access points are located at:

• Supplee Lane Picnic Area
• Burtons Lane
• Dustin Road West
• Kruhm Road
• Batson Road
• Brogden Road
• Ednor Road
• Tucker Lane

Responsibility of WSSC

In granting the privileges of access to, or use of, the reservoirs or any other property of WSSC for any purpose whatever, WSSC does not warrant that its property is suitable for the purpose for which the privilege or Permit is granted, or that it is safe for any specific purpose, whether or not a Permit is issued pursuant to these regulations, and whether or not a Permit fee has been received, notwithstanding the fact that a particular portion of the Commission’s property may be specified in the Permit. WSSC shall not be responsible for any damage, injury or death resulting from an accident on any of its property, notwithstanding the fact that negligence of any employee of the Commission may contribute to such accident or drowning. By accepting the Permit, or by using the privilege granted, the permittee thereby agrees to use the property in the condition in which s/he finds it, and agrees to assume all responsibility for her/his own safety and the safety of any minors who accompany her/him; and s/he thereby releases WSSC from all claims and causes of action whatsoever arising out of the issuance of the Permit, or arising out of access to and use of WSSC property, whether or not such claim or cause of action arises by virtue of the negligence of the Commission or any of its agents or employees. The Permit fees mentioned in the regulations are not charges for use of the property of the Commission, but are applied as partial reimbursement to the Commission for its expenses in maintaining facilities and regulating the use of its property for the benefit of the permittees and for the protection of WSSC’s water supply.

Violations of Regulations

Any person found violating any of the laws of the State of Maryland or WSSC regulations shall be subject to receipt of a citation or to arrest and punishment under the Maryland Annotated Code, Criminal Law Article, and Division II of the Public Utility Article. In addition, further use of Commission property by such persons may be prohibited.

Any person aggrieved by the decision of WSSC to revoke his or her Permit, denial to obtain a Permit or an assessment of fees in relation to a Permit may appeal the decision pursuant to Standard Procedure L-07-02, Procedure for Adjudicatory Hearings, by contacting the Corporate Secretary at the Richard G. Hocevar Building located at 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel Maryland 20707.