Water Rate Increase For Balt. Co. Residents To Fix Aging Pipes

TIMONIUM, Md. (WJZ) -- Old and obsolete. That's how many people describe the failing water and sewer pipes in Baltimore County. It's going to cost millions to fix.

George Solis has more on the significant water bill rate increase for Baltimore County residents and when the hike will go into effect.

It will come in the form of water and sewer rate increases spread out over the next two years. Some are getting creative to soften the blow.

The images all too familiar for many--old and breaking water and sewer lines leaving behind big messes as they burst.

Towson mom Kimberly Baydarian knows--she's dealt with it firsthand.

"We had many water breaks," she said.

So you can imagine she'd never want to be on the receiving end of something like this.

"So if we could prevent those, that would be great," she said.

Not a geyser, but the result of a water main break in Timonium.

And who could forget these images? Sky Eye Chopper 13 over Dundalk after another break left hundreds without power.

"Sixty-percent of our water and sewer pipe is 50 years old and approaching the end of its useful life," said Steve Walsh, Department of Public Works.

DPW says they'll need more than $50 million to fix the aging and failing pipes--money that's being collected in the form of rate hikes in the next two years.

Through this rate increase, you could always take a trip to your local hardware store and make a small investment--like in a water saving shower head--to ease the burden of water use.

Kevin Higgins tells WJZ that's exactly what he did. By no means is he a fan of the spike in rates, which are expected to cost families an additional $200 a year.

"For some people, that is a lot of money," said Higgins.

But others feel it'll be worth every penny.

"If I assume that it would make the water supply healthier and safer, you can't really put a price tag on that," said Baydarian.

The rate hikes will take effect this July and next year as well.

DPW says they have inspected thousands of miles of the county's sewer pipes and continue to make improvements.