Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, McClain Delaney Urge Allegany County Officials to Condemn Bel Air-Pinto Water System

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, along with Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.), called on Allegany County officials to condemn the Bel Air-Pinto Water System, which serves 1,200 residents. According to news reports, water utility and sanitation bills here have skyrocketed to between $400 and $900 a month, among the highest rates in the country.

The lawmakers' letter comes ahead of a meeting of the Allegany County Commissioners to consider filing and adopting the resolution of condemnation.

"Based on what these residents have shared, we believe there is a clear and urgent need for the County to assume control of the Bel Air-Pinto Water System from Maryland Water Systems and Nexus Group," the lawmakers wrote. "The combination of escalating and unpredictable costs and the profound strain placed on households makes it evident that the status quo is no longer acceptable."

The letter also follows a survey sent last week by Rep. McClain Delaney, which received 255 responses from constituents in Allegany County illustrating the severity and urgency of the situation.

"We are permitted 2 baths a week... and with minimal water use! The dishwasher can be run only once a week. The toilet only gets flushed after several uses... We are thinking of selling the home we have lived in since 1988. Our kids grew up here," wrote a Bel Air-Pinto constituent.

"Our water bill exceeds our mortgage payment, and that is without flushing each time the toilet is used. My family is forced to bathe 1-2 days per week. Our water bill runs between $285-$350 a month, with EXTREME hygiene care that is abandoned," wrote another Bel Air-Pinto constituent.

"We recently replaced 2 toilets with water-conserving options in an attempt to reduce cost, with minimal reduction in the water bill. At this point, we are considering putting our house on the market and moving out of state," wrote another Bel Air-Pinto constituent.

"We have really cut back on water consumption, but it doesn't seem to make much of a difference. My elementary-age boys only bathe/shower about once per week," wrote another Bel Air-Pinto constituent.

"Often, I have to decide whether to get my medication or pay this outrageous water bill each month. It has caused me an enormous amount of stress and anxiety, and I am now taking medication for anxiety," wrote another Bel Air-Pinto constituent.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

President Caporale, Commissioner Atkinson, and Commissioner Brodie:

We write to express our strong belief that the Allegany County Commissioners should move forward with filing and adopting the Resolution of Condemnation for the Bel Air-Pinto Water System. The testimony our offices have received from residents of the Bel Air community has been powerful, consistent, and deeply troubling. Families are facing unaffordable water services with rates climbing sharply in less than a year leaving families paying some of the highest prices in the county.

Based on what these residents have shared, we believe there is a clear and urgent need for the County to assume control of the Bel Air-Pinto Water System from Maryland Water Systems and Nexus Group. The combination of escalating and unpredictable costs and the profound strain placed on households makes it evident that the status quo is no longer acceptable.

This moment carries extraordinary weight. The experiences described by impacted residents make it plain that the community cannot endure further delay. We support the County's Resolution of Condemnation. We feel strongly that the County has an opportunity and a responsibility to act decisively on behalf of the people it serves.

The comments below are representative of the 255 comments provided by our constituents. The identities of the individuals who provided the comments have been anonymized to protect the identities of our constituents.

"We are permitted 2 baths a week...and with minimal water use! The dishwasher can be run only once a week. The toilet only gets flushed after several uses…We are thinking of selling the home we have lived in since 1988. Our kids grew up here."

"Our water bill exceeds our mortgage payment, and that is without flushing each time the toilet is used. My family is forced to bathe 1-2 days per week. Our water bill runs between $285-$350 a month, with EXTREME hygiene care that is abandoned."

"We recently replaced 2 toilets with water-conserving options in an attempt to reduce cost, with minimal reduction in the water bill. At this point, we are considering putting our house on the market and moving out of state."

"We have really cut back on water consumption, but it doesn't seem to make much of a difference. My elementary-age boys only bathe/shower about once per week."

"Often, I have to decide whether to get my medication or pay this outrageous water bill each month. It has caused me an enormous amount of stress and anxiety, and I am now taking medication for anxiety."

Sincerely,