Water Department

The Water Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution system, the raw water transmission system, facilities such as pumping stations and other miscellaneous facilities. The Water Department is responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, and testing of the City’s water meters. They are responsible for water meter readings and water shut-offs. The Water Department is also responsible for constructing new service connections once they have been permitted by the Community Development Department.

Please do not email the Water Department if you have questions regarding your water bill! Instead, please email Deborah Heath in the Finance Department.


As a general rule, if there is an issue with the appearance of your water, letting the faucet run for a few minutes should resolve the problem.  If there is an issue with the taste or smell of your water, please call the Water Treatment Plant at 301-689-6262.  Please leave a message with your contact number and the address of the problem.


Who to Contact for Water-Related Issues

  • Call the Water Department
    • The Water Department shop can be reached at 301-689-5855 (M - F, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
  • New Service Connections
    • New service connections are typically included as part of the Building Permit process through the Community Development Department. Please email the City Planner or call 301-689-6000, ext. 110, for more information.
  • Submit a Meter Reading
    • To submit a meter reading, call 301-689-6000 and select Option 4 from the main menu
  • Ask Questions about your Water Bill
  • Water Shut-Offs
    • For questions about water shut-offs, please call 301-689-6000, ext. 100 or 106
  • Report a Water Line Break: 

    • Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM: 301-689-6000, ext. 111

    • After-hours, weekend, or on holidays: 301-689-3000

  • Report a Sewage Backup or a Damaged Sewer Line: 
    • Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM: 301-689-6000, ext. 111
    • After-hours, weekend, or on holidays: 301-689-3000