Dear editor,
A recent letter by Paul Gentile about WSSC Water’s 48-inch diameter raw water pipeline project reflects strong public interest in how we deliver safe, reliable services to our customers – an interest we welcome. Some of the details about this project have been misunderstood
WSSC Water installed 2.5 miles of new 48-inch diameter raw water pipeline from our Rocky Gorge Raw Water Pumping Station to the Patuxent Water Filtration Plant located in West Laurel. The new pipeline increases the plant’s production of safe, clean water, ensuring infrastructure resiliency. Construction started in December 2020, three years prior to the current General Manager’s tenure, and was complete in Fall 2025.
This large, complex project experienced delays due to severe rock conditions and supply chain disruptions. We sincerely apologize to the West Laurel community – especially those living along Bond Mill Road – for those delays.
To ensure community needs were addressed, WSSC Water convened a task force comprised of Prince George’s County Council Member Tom Dernoga, county public works and transportation representatives, and civic association leadership, including Terrance Martin, president of the West Laurel Civic Association, and immediate past president Barbara Sollner-Webb. Through this coordinated effort, WSSC Water implemented sidewalk safety improvements, including repairs to decades-old tripping hazards and the installation of raised crosswalks, as a good-faith response to community concerns.
In keeping with our commitment to transparency, WSSC Water proactively retained an independent consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive peer review of the project. The purpose was to provide an impartial assessment of project performance and identify clear, actionable recommendations. To ensure openness, the consultant presented findings during our November 19, 2025 commission meeting, which was open to the public.
We are actively addressing all the findings. Several recommendations have already been implemented.
Mr. Gentile also brought up concerns about a recent water main break located near the raw water pipeline. We want to assure the community that these are two separate pipelines and the distance between them meets industry design standards. Protecting drinking water quality is our top priority and there was no risk to water quality because of this incident.
We recognize that trust is earned through actions, not words. By openly examining this project, sharing the findings publicly and implementing meaningful improvements, WSSC Water is demonstrating its commitment to accountability and continuous improvement. We are grateful to the West Laurel community for their patience and grace throughout this challenging project.
Chuck Brown, Communications Director, WSSC Water
The recording of the Nov. 19 public meeting can be found at tinyurl.com/WSSCNOV19, and the link to the report can be found at wsscwater.com/patuxentrwp. The consultant will host a community meeting with the West Laurel Civic Association on February 11, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at WSSC Water’s Support Center, 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, MD 20707, to discuss findings and answer questions. A virtual option will also be available.