Worcester County Gets $613K Grant to Replace Lead Water Lines in Newark

Worcester County, MD - Worcester County has secured a state grant to replace aging water lines in the Newark Service Area, an upgrade that could improve water quality for residents in that part of the county.

The Maryland Department of the Environment awarded the county a $613,380 grant to cover the cost of replacing old service lines and adding new equipment to protect the water supply.

Public Works Director Dallas Baker explained what the project will actually involve. "This project will modernize aging water infrastructure by replacing outdated and potentially lead-containing service lines along Newark Road and Langmaid Road and installing new meter pit setters equipped with dual check valves to prevent backflow," Baker said.

The water system in the Newark area was originally installed in the 1970s. Some of the piping used at that time may contain lead, which is a known health concern.

The project will connect homes to an existing eight-inch PVC water main. Workers will also abandon the old four-inch metal pipes that have deteriorated over the decades.

When the work is finished, residents should see better water quality, stronger water pressure, and a more reliable system overall. The upgrades will also bring the area into compliance with current cross-connection control regulations, which are designed to keep the public water supply free from contamination.

Before construction can begin, the county still needs final approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the grant award. Design work will not start until that approval comes through.