Assateague Island Starts $2.5M Water Line Upgrade

Berlin, MD - Assateague Island National Seashore is getting a major upgrade to its water system. Park officials announced a $2.5 million water line replacement project that will begin in mid-October.

The work will take place in the developed areas of the park's Maryland Unit. It is designed to improve water pressure and reliability for both visitors and park staff.

The current water system was built in the 1990s. It was not made to handle the number of visitors the park sees today.

Crews will use horizontal boring methods during construction. This approach helps limit ground disturbance and keeps the impact on visitors as low as possible.

No road closures are expected during the project. Campground loops will start closing on a rolling basis in early November.

The campground will stay open through construction, but at reduced capacity. Officials say the goal is to keep the park accessible while the upgrades take place.

The project is being paid for through Assateague Island recreation fee revenue. That means money collected from visitor fees is going straight back into the park's infrastructure.

Park officials say the upgrade supports more than just today's needs. It is also meant to prepare the system for future facility improvements down the road.

This is part of a larger effort by the park to reinvest fee dollars into essential systems. Officials say the goal is to extend the life of park infrastructure while improving the overall visitor experience.

Anyone planning a trip to Assateague this fall or winter may want to check ahead. Campground availability could be affected as the rolling closures begin in November.

For updates on the project or campground status, visitors can check the park's website at www.nps.gov/asis.