Frostburg: Although Piney Reservoir’s water levels returned to normal last week, concerns have been raised about the city’s emergency water supply to the villages in the George’s Creek Valley, according to Frostburg officials on Tuesday. Officials talked about whether it would be feasible to keep providing Lonaconing, Midland, and Barton with water from city reserves during a work session with the mayor and council on Tuesday afternoon.
Quality Of Water
Concerns about the quality of the water prompted the town of Lonaconing to close the George’s Creek Water System in January 2023. Without making any formal agreements, Frostburg has since provided water to those residents via an emergency water line.
As a result, according to Frostburg officials, the production of potable water has grown by 20%. The severe drought has also increased expenditures associated with maintaining the increased demand. Mayor Todd Logsdon asked for public feedback on the state of affairs in a Cumberland Times-News reader commentary that was published on October 5.
Improvement In Town’s Water System
Although Lonaconing officials have made improvements to the town’s water system, the community has not been able to completely return to using its own supply. Officials from Frostburg are hoping to continue discussions with Lonaconing for a resolution that will safeguard the interests of the citizens of both communities.
Frostburg’s water supply may have reached dangerous levels if the additional load from Lonaconing and Midland hadn’t been momentarily alleviated by the August rains. Lonaconing and Midland officials are still finishing up the opening of their renovated treatment facilities.
Primary Concern Of Public
On October 21, the Maryland Department of the Environment is planning to tour the water facilities in Lonaconing. While plans are being made for another potentially dry summer, the public’s primary concern is the possible increase in water bill prices should a lasting connection to the Frostburg water supply become necessary. A permanent link, according to officials, would lead to more bill stability even while the cost of producing water is increasing. Frostburg and Lonaconing have until December 31 to finalize a water service agreement.