MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 16, 2004

CITY MEETING WITH MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT RESULTS IN ADDITIONAL WATER ALLOCATIONS

Frederick, Md. --- As a result of a meeting last week between the City of Frederick Mayor Jennifer Dougherty, City staff, and The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), the City received concurrence that they would have an additional 501,600 gpd (gallons per day) of allocable water available immediately. Mayor Jennifer P. Dougherty commented, “As you know, the City of Frederick has been actively and diligently pursuing water supply sources for more than two years. Some of those efforts have been wild goose chases, others have been successful. Regardless of the success of each initiative, the common element is that each initiative has taken time.”

The additional water supply is a result of a spring 2003 request made by MDE for additional information on the City’s Average Day Demand, as well as demonstrated results from the City’s Leak Detection Program. The allocable 501,600 gpd is in compliance with the City’s Consent Order by MDE dated June 28, 2002.

“The water system management, analysis and operational improvements have made a difference. I want to commend our Engineers, Public Works, and CIP Manager for their hard work,” stated Dougherty. “I also want to commend the Board of Aldermen for agreeing to fund the Leak Detection Program because that investment accounts for more than half of the water.”

The water will be allocated in conformance with the City of Frederick’s adopted Water Allocation Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines. The following is the breakdown for allocation:

Residential (45%) 225,720 gpd **
Avg. 250 gpd/unit = approx. 902 units

Commercial/Industrial (30%) 150,480 gpd **

Discretionary (25%) 125,400 gpd **

Claims of Entitlement (25%) 31,350 gpd

Business Retention & Development, Government Projects, Emergency Exemptions,
Institutional and Infill (15%) 18,810 gpd each
** The allocation estimates listed above are for informational purposes. Actual allocations may differ slightly.

Projects who will receive water based on this additional 501,600 gpd of allocable water will be announced at the regularly scheduled Water Service Committee, Wednesday, March 17, 2004, 10 a.m., City Hall Board Room. The order of allocations is listed on the City’s website at www.cityoffrederick.com