Worcester Co. Secures Over $600K for Newark Water System Improvements

WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. – The Worcester County Government has received a $613,380 grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment to fund improvements in the Newark Service Area.

Officials say the improvements are intended to address public health concerns associated with older piping materials and plumbing systems dating back to the 1970s, when the water system was originally installed. Work on the system will include a lead service line replacement and cross-connection control project. 

“This project will modernize aging water infrastructure by replacing outdated and potentially lead-containing service lines along Newark Road and Langmaid Road and installing new meter pit setters equipped with dual check valves to prevent backflow,” said Public Works Director Dallas Baker.

Once completed, the upgrades are expected to improve water quality, system reliability, and water pressure while ensuring compliance with current cross-connection control regulations designed to protect the public water supply from contamination.

Officials say the start of design work remains contingent upon final concurrence from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the grant award.