SMITHSBURG, Md. – A $2.1 million upgrade in the city’s water and sewer system has been announced by Mayor Donald L. Souders. The upgrades will include replacing all residential and commercial metering, along with aging fire hydrants and water lines.
The upgrades, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and city reserve funds, is part of a broader effort by town leadership to address aging infrastructure, with some pipes dating back as far as 70 years.
Souders emphasized that while more visible community improvements like park upgrades have been made, the unseen infrastructure work, including water and sewer line replacements, is equally critical. “It’s those pipes underground that rarely get attention until something goes wrong. We want to be proactive,” said Souders. These projects aim to improve water quality, reduce service disruptions and support future growth.
The installation of new water meters for all residential and commercial properties will ensure more accurate readings and improved water consumption tracking. Additionally, outdated fire hydrants, valves and water lines are being replaced, including a significant project in the Mountain Shadows subdivision to fix pressure issues, the mayor said.
On the sewer side, the town has invested in sealing manholes and cracks to reduce infiltration of outside water, which has previously led to higher costs. Plans are also in place to rebuild and modernize the town’s three wastewater treatment pumping stations.
Smithsburg’s leadership hopes these investments will improve water and sewer services by helping control costs and reducing the need for future rate increases, Souders said. The mayor and council members are committed to ensuring the town’s infrastructure is well prepared for the future while minimizing disruptions to residents’ daily routines, he added.
