On September 11, 2025, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) held a public hearing in Prince George's County to discuss its Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the fiscal year 2027. This meeting highlighted a range of critical projects aimed at enhancing water distribution, wastewater collection, and treatment facilities across the region.

The CIP encompasses eight categories, including water distribution, wastewater collection, water treatment and storage, and water resource recovery facilities. Each category features specific projects designed to improve infrastructure and service delivery. For instance, the water distribution category includes a $68 million budget for a water reconstruction program aimed at renewing 35 miles of aging distribution assets. Additionally, a large diameter water pipe rehabilitation program has a budget of $58 million to manage over 1,000 miles of transmission pipes.

In the wastewater collection category, significant investments are planned, including a $114 million budget for a sewer reconstruction program targeting 63.5 miles of sewer mains. This initiative is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sewer system in residential areas. Another notable project is the trunk sewer reconstruction program, which focuses on environmentally sensitive areas and has a budget request of $26.4 million.

The meeting also addressed the water treatment and storage category, with a highlighted project at the Potomac Water Filtration Plant. This project, with a budget of $15.6 million, aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact by improving water discharge processes.

Furthermore, the CIP includes innovative programs such as a lead reduction initiative and energy performance upgrades, with a combined budget request of approximately $69.5 million. These programs reflect WSSC's commitment to sustainability and public health.

Overall, the public hearing underscored the importance of these infrastructure projects in ensuring reliable water and wastewater services for Prince George's County residents. As the WSSC moves forward with these initiatives, the community can anticipate improvements in service quality and environmental stewardship. The next steps will involve finalizing the budget and project timelines, ensuring that these critical upgrades are implemented effectively.