Crisfield water update

The City of Crisfield is facing historic problems with its water, according to City Manager Rick Pollitt.

Water to the city was cut off Wednesday morning, and after unforeseen problems, was not turned back on until about 1 p.m.  The project included four original sites deemed in need of immediate action, with three being completed.  The fourth project will be scheduled soon.

"I think now it's just a matter of just getting the right people there with the right equipment.  We are looking to have the whole Depot Park project completed within the next 30 days, so we'd like to have this done relatively soon," said Pollitt.

Years of decay and neglect have put Crisfield in a tough spot.  The city is applying for multimillion dollar grants to fund huge projects to repair and revamp its wastewater treatment system, and its pumping station.

A few weeks back, Jen Rafter with the City of Crisfield, told 47abc Crisfield has pipes in the ground dating back to the 1930s.

"A lot of our problems are the fact that historically we haven't taken care of our infrastructure the way we should," said Pollitt.

Residents have mixed feelings about the city's response to the problem.  One Crisfield resident said she is happy to see the city finally taking action.

Meanwhile, one couple who wanted to be identified as the Layton's, told 47abc they couldn't even brush their teeth, that their water smelled like sulfur, and they have been buying at least a case of water a week.

Pollitt concluded that the city is trying to do the right thing, saying there will be inconveniences in the short term, but in the long run Crisfield will have a better water system.