WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland 20707-5902. (301) 206-8100. Fax:(301) 206-8186. E-Mail:communications@wsscwater.com

WSSC to Hold Public Commission Meeting February 27th

Meeting to Discuss Budget Proposal to be Sent
to Montgomery, Prince George’s Counties for Approval

LAUREL, MD, FEBRUARY 25: The Commissioners of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) will hold a public Commission meeting to discuss its budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2009 that targets WSSC’s aging infrastructure and addresses increasing operational costs. The meeting will be held Wednesday, February 27th at 2 p.m. at WSSC’s Headquarters – 14501 Sweitzer Lane in Laurel.

WSSC must send a budget proposal for consideration by the Montgomery and Prince George’s County Councils by March 1st. The Commission originally submitted – for public review and comment – a proposal calling for a 9.5% rate increase and an Infrastructure Renewal Fee the equivalent of $20 a month.

Following two public hearings and a series of community meetings and media briefings, WSSC Commissioners are evaluating the response from the public and will consider revisions to their initial proposal. The budget proposal is based, in part, upon WSSC’s 30-Year Utility Master Plan currently being developed in cooperation with Montgomery and Prince George’s County staff. The first phase of the plan was released earlier this year and involved a broad examination of the condition and lifespan of all of the Commission’s major assets.

Among its major findings:

• It is estimated that by 2025 approximately 50% of the entire water distribution system will reach or exceed its useful life. There are approximately 2,000 miles of cast iron pipe in the distribution system less than 16 inches in size and over 85% of this pipe will exceed its useful life by 2025.


• Out of the 5,500-plus miles of mains WSSC maintains, 1,300 are more than 50 years old. Another 2,400 miles of pipes are between 25 and 50 years old.


• WSSC’s wastewater collection system still has a substantial lifespan left. However, a significant investment in rehabilitation is required to reach the remaining lifespan. Additionally, three types of sewer pipes are in poor condition and several drainage basins will require significant attention over the next 30 years.

The findings from the first phase of the infrastructure plan were used to create a 10-year fiscal plan designed to increase infrastructure replacement while spreading out the cost over time.

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WSSC is the 8th largest water and wastewater utility in the nation, serving nearly 1.8 million residents in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. We operate and maintain seven water and wastewater plants, nearly 5,500 miles of fresh water pipeline and more than 5,300 miles of sewer pipeline. In our 89-year history, we have never had a drinking water quality violation.