HAGERSTOWN, MD News (9/16/2024) The City of Hagerstown is set to discuss several key water supply initiatives at this Tuesday’s Mayor and Council work session meeting. A primary focus of the discussion will be the potential development of a new potable water plant using Antietam Creek as a source, as well as alternative options to secure a sustainable water supply for the city’s growing needs. As part of this discussion, the city will consider a proposed feasibility study estimated to cost over $898,000.
This post was updated on 11/17/2024 to add a link to the public information archive and add the story to our LARGE collection of articles.
This article is part of our Local and Regional Government Efficiency (LARGE) Spending tracking initiative, which aims to shed light on local and regional government spending by looking at unusual expenses.
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Antietam Creek Water Supply Study
City staff began discussions with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in June 2023 to explore the possibility of acquiring a water appropriation permit for Antietam Creek. If approved, this permit would allow the city to construct a 5 million gallon per day (MGD) water treatment plant. The MDE has provided detailed guidance on the necessary steps, including:
- Evaluation of historical flow data from 1948 to the present, with a focus on drought conditions.
- Analysis of existing intakes and uses of the creek, both upstream and downstream.
- Consideration of aquatic, recreational, and environmental impacts, including Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and water quality data.
Additionally, the city would need to undertake multiple studies covering water supply, intake siting, and treatability, along with the impact on the wastewater treatment plant. Groundwater sources may also be considered to meet conservation flow requirements, with specific testing needed for contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs).
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Quarry Lake Water Source Option
In parallel with the Antietam Creek study, the city has explored using quarry lakes as an alternative water source. Discussions with Holcim, a major quarry operator, however, have not progressed. Holcim, which discharges water from its quarry into Antietam Creek, expressed concerns about retaining its water supply for operational needs and declined to move forward with the city’s proposal.
Holcim currently discharges between 1,500 and 6,000 gallons per minute (GPM), with a maximum of 10,000 GPM, using the water primarily for cooling. The quality of the water from the quarry lake is believed to be similar to that of the Antietam Creek due to the geology of the area. Studies from Hazen and Sawyer, a consultancy engaged by the city, suggest that the viability of quarry water for treatment depends heavily on the quality of the source and the depth of the quarry.
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Edgemont Reservoir and Future Water Demands
The city’s current water allocation from the Edgemont Reservoir is 0.75 MGD, with a maximum of 4.5 MGD during peak months. However, this allocation is often insufficient, especially during periods of low flow. Given the projected growth in water demand, city staff have highlighted the need for improvements at the RCW Water Plant and upgrades to the city’s water transmission mains.
To meet future needs, staff are recommending an engineering study to evaluate the feasibility of using Antietam Creek as a new water source. The proposed study, which would be conducted by Hazen and Sawyer, is estimated to cost $898,375. This study would address key challenges, including the city’s ability to meet Maryland’s flow-by requirements, the potential use of groundwater, and the overall sustainability of Antietam Creek as a long-term water source.
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Summary of Recommendations
The city’s current average annual water production is approximately 11.5 MGD, while the total water allocation is around 14.5 MGD. Seasonal fluctuations in demand require the city to flush over 1 MGD from its distribution system to maintain water quality, especially during the warmer months.
Given these considerations, city staff will seek approval from the Mayor and Council to proceed with the engineering study and continue discussions with the MDE. Any further action on the wastewater evaluation and the potential use of Antietam Creek as a raw water source will be contingent on the outcome of this study and additional consultations with state authorities.
Information on the proposed study is available in our Public Information Archive.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors
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