Western Maryland Residents Face Exorbitant Water Bills, Leading to Rationing and Community Exodus
Residents in the Pinto and Bel Air communities of Allegany County, Western Maryland, are experiencing dramatically high water bills, with some monthly charges reaching $400, $700, or even $1,000. This financial burden has forced families, like the Morgans, to severely ration water usage, including limiting showers to once a week and using bottled water for drinking. The water system, previously operated by Texas-based Nexus Water Group and recently sold to American Water, a large investor-owned utility, has seen rates nearly quadruple in less than four years. Despite the region's abundant water resources, the cost of running a faucet has become a luxury for many. The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates private water utilities, approved these rate increases, citing the utility's right to seek profit and the need for system improvements. However, the PSC Chair, Kumar Barve, has stated he will re-examine the costs after hearing reports of residents rationing water. 
