Statement from the Division of Water and Sewer Utilities on White Rock Water

Customers of the White Rock Water System were notified that three homes in the community recently found elevated levels of lead in their tap water. Of 23 samples collected in August and September, three exceeded the action level, indicating the problem is not widespread and does not impact every home. Those three affected households were immediately notified, and the remaining 95 households on the system have been offered free testing. 

Lead can cause serious health problems. The County has been monitoring for lead in the White Rock System since 1993 and is currently testing every three years, as required by the Maryland Department of the Environment. Lead measurements reflect the highest level found in 90% of samples, which is called the 90^th percentile. When testing at White Rock was last completed in 2017, the 90^th percentile for lead was 2 parts per billion (ppb), which is well below the action level of 15 ppb. For the 2020 monitoring period, the 90^th percentile for lead was 16 ppb.

The Division of Water and Sewer Utilities has been in close communication with the Maryland Department of Environment and the Frederick County Health Department and will continue to do so until the situation has been fully resolved. 

White Rock residents with questions can contact Kenneth Orndorff, Superintendent of Water Treatment and Distribution, at 301-600-1825 or by email at korndorff@frederickcountymd.gov .  

The Frederick County Health Department Lead and Asthma Program staff can be reached at 301-600-3326 or by e-mail at leadasthma@frederickcountymd.gov. 

Additional Information on can be found on the Department of Water Purification and Distribution page.

Statement from the Division of Water and Sewer Utilities on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) 

Our employees are dedicated to supplying our customers with a safe and reliable source of drinking water. It has always been our job to keep the water flowing, while protecting the safety of our customers and employees. We have plans in place to ensure continuity of operations during any emergency, including pandemics.

In an effort to protect public health during the evolving coronavirus outbreak and to ensure safe, clean water continues to flow to customers’ homes, the Division of Water and Sewer Utilities (DWSU) temporarily suspended all water service disconnections and waived the issuance of late fees and interest.  However, effective July 1, 2021, the DWSU will reinstate the 1% monthly interest charge on any delinquent account balances.  Additionally, the mailing of late notices for past due accounts will resume.  On August 16,  2021, the DWSU will resume disconnections for non-payment (and add the associated $100 late payment penalty) on accounts whose balances remain unpaid 60 days from the original bill date.

Please be aware that your most recent water bill may be higher than usual as we navigate through this pandemic. You may have been working from home, washing hands more, and cooking more. All of those activities cause you to use more water. We understand you may not be able to pay your higher bill all at once and we are happy to work with you to create a customized payment plan.  

Payment Plans and Options to Pay Your Bill

     ·   If you are in need of setting up a customized payment plan, we encourage you to call us at 301-600-1025.
     ·   Online - Payments are being accepted online by visiting www.frederickcountymd.gov and selecting “Online Payments”.
     ·   By mail, drop-box or in-person– Please mail or bring payment to 4520 Metropolitan Ct. Frederick, MD 21704. The drive-thru lane is open Monday-Friday from 8:00am – 4:00pm, excluding holidays.
     ·  By Phone – To make a credit/debit card payment, please call 301-600-2182 Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm, excluding holidays.

Health officials encourage the following everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
•Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
•Stay home when you are sick.
•Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
     • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The situation is evolving. For more information, we recommend you visit these web pages for the latest updates: 

• Frederick County Government  

• Maryland Department of Health 

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)