Salisbury water and sewer main breaks highlight failing infrastructure

SALISBURY, Md. — As concerns grow about the aging infrastructure in Salisbury, city officials have been issuing a number of press releases regarding water and sewer main breaks. These incidents, they say, are more common than many might think.

Lindy Davis of the City of Salisbury Waterworks division said the number of water and sewer main breaks has decreased this year, with a total of eight breaks so far.

“For the first time, it’s because we’re finally putting it out in press releases that go to the news media,” Davis said. “In years past, like in 2025, we had 25 water main breaks, and a lot of people didn’t even know about that.”

Davis attributed fluctuating weather to the strain on the city’s infrastructure.

“When the temperature rises quickly, the metal doesn’t have time to adjust, and it cracks because it’s old cast-iron pipe,” she explained. “It doesn’t really stand up to that quick change in temperature.”

Last week, WMDT spoke with Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor about a sinkhole that appeared on Camden Avenue due to failing infrastructure.

“We’ve got a sinkhole, and it’s the result of some failing infrastructure, older pipes, older storm drains. That storm drains been here since the 1920s, so it happens,” Mayor Taylor said.

Davis noted that some of Salisbury’s pipes date back to 1732, though Main Street’s infrastructure was replaced a few years ago.

“Thanks to Mayor Jake Day, we got all of Main Street’s infrastructure replaced. Our new mayor has a lot on his plate, but we’ll start working on that,” Davis said.

For residents experiencing issues, Davis urged them to report problems immediately by calling the Salisbury Police Department’s non-emergency line at 410-548-3165.

If you do have any concerns with your water and sewer infrastructure, you can reach out to Water Works at 410-548-3199 or via e-mail at waterworks@salisbury.md