(a) It is the policy of the State to authorize each county and municipality to displace or limit competition in the area of water and sewerage systems to:
(1) assure delivery of adequate, economical, and efficient water and sewerage services;
(2) avoid duplication of water and sewerage facilities;
(3) control disease and provide for the public health and safety;
(4) prevent environmental degradation;
(5) protect natural resources;
(6) use the public right–of–way efficiently; and
(7) promote the general welfare by providing adequate water and sewerage systems.
(b) (1) Notwithstanding any anticompetitive effect, a county or municipality may:
(i) grant one or more franchises or enter into contracts for water or sewerage systems on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis;
(ii) impose franchise fees;
(iii) establish charges and rates applicable to the franchise; and
(iv) adopt rules, regulations, and licensing requirements for the operation of the franchise.
(2) If another law grants a county or municipality the authority to operate water and sewerage systems, the county or municipality shall operate the systems without regard to any anticompetitive effect.