The Value of Water

The Department of Public Work’s Bureau of Utilities team is committed to serving the county and our water consistently surpasses all federal safety standards.

Water defines our daily lives. From the food we eat to the businesses that fuel our economy, clean and reliable water makes it possible. Yet for most Americans, the infrastructure that delivers safe water and manages wastewater is invisible — until something goes wrong.

A 2025 report released by the American Society of Civil Engineers projects the budget gap for the water and wastewater industry to grow to $690 billion dollars by 2044 based on current rates of investment. To proactively bridge this gap, the Department of Public Works invests in water infrastructure through the Utility Investment Fee (UIF) and a 9% increase in user rates. This fee and increased rates ensures that aging infrastructure is maintained and replaced to allow clean water to flow to residents and businesses. Additionally, these improvements will provide reliable wastewater to flow from these households and businesses throughout the County. For perspective, consider a gallon of milk or gas. The value of clean, reliable water is worth the investment!

Starting in 2027, DPW is also updating water meters across Anne Arundel County to give customers the ability to see water consumption in near real time, providing more timely insight into your habits so you can make informed decisions about how water is used at your home or business. To learn more about water related Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), visit our CIP page.    

The Anne Arundel 2026 Consumer Confidence Report, which summarizes information that is already collected by the water system to comply with regulations, shows that the water delivered to your home remains among the cleanest and safest in the region. More than a collection of data, it serves as the local fulfillment of the Clean Water Act—a promise that every community deserves access to safe, reliable water.

Outlined in the Anne Arundel 2026 Consumer Confidence Report, drinking water in Anne Arundel County comes from an abundant underground supply of water-bearing material known as an aquifer. Our 13 water treatment facilities draw from the Upper Patapsco, Lower Patapsco, Patuxent, and Aquia Aquifers.
 

Anne Arundel County's Water Reclamation Facilities (WRF) regularly receive national National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) Peak Performance Awards for complete and continuous compliance with discharge permits

Investing in water leads to economic prosperity, improved public health and sanitation, and a higher quality of life for all. By prioritizing our water infrastructure, we leave behind a foundation of health and safety for all who work, live, and play in Anne Arundel County.

You can apply simple daily practices to your routine that help keep our community infrastructure and pipes clear of clogs. Learn more about the DPW Community Stewardship Pledge today!