Worcester County water rate increases, and Ocean Pines businesses speaking up
WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. – Businesses and residents in Worcester County are discussing the high water rates.
Gray Reeves says his equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) is already expensive. He has 20 EDUs.
“And each EDU over the board is $209 each, plus the $36 debt service fee for each one. So that means before I use a single drop of water in this building, my bill will already be $4,900.”
The EDU is already set to fixed cost, based on square footage space needed in a facility. The costs would increase based on usage of the water.
Many people in Worcester County are struggling with water bill increases, costs in the 11 Sanitary Service Areas. This is to make up the deficit costs in FY 2026.
That includes some residents who told WMDT that their bills doubled and tripled. One lady said she spent upwards of $800 because of the water increases.
County officials say it’s to cover operating and maintenance cost increases. Worcester County Commissioner of District 5, Chip Bertino, stated in a statement sent to WMDT.
“If the rates were not increased from the FY25 budget, there would have been a shortfall of $864,000 with the expenses that were approved in the FY26 budget.”
Reeves, though, said it’s not just one person, it affects everyone in the county. “It’s not just this restaurant, who lives in the community, and everyone who lives in the county.”
Reeves and Southgate thought about increasing house water for customers. The idea would mean that the price would be $2 plus tax. The local restaurant decided against the plan because of customer reaction. Reeves announced that the concept didn’t get off its feet.
“To make that clear, it was really to grab everyone’s attention,” said Reeves.
Diana Sabia owns Oasis Nutrition in Ocean Pines and says the timing of the bills is even more devastating.
“Going into winter, everyone knows we are a tourist economy, we all make our money in the summer, so when we get hit with these bills that are doubling, that’s having our company, but it’s not just hitting us, it’s hitting our customers too.”
