LA PLATA, Md. — The La Plata Town Council will receive a briefing tonight on the town’s water and sewer infrastructure, outlining future demand, regulatory constraints and possible rate increases. Ahead of the meeting, Councilman Gregory Sampson (Ward III) raised concerns about one of the proposed options, saying it could unfairly burden residents.
La Plata has been studying its water problems for years. In 2018, the engineering firm Hazen & Sawyer warned that the town’s groundwater supply from the Lower Patapsco Aquifer would be unable to keep pace with growth. Their report — referenced in tonight’s presentation — recommended eventually turning to the Potomac River as a backup source. More recently, a 2024 draft rate study by the financial consultants Baker Tilly, also cited in the town’s agenda materials, projected that water and sewer rates would need to rise by about 4 percent each year through 2032, and 3 percent after that, to cover operating costs and major upgrades. Together, the reports referenced in the agenda show that the issues La Plata faces today — limited groundwater, rising demand and the high cost of infrastructure — have been building for a long time.
The official presentation, “Securing La Plata’s Future: Strategy for Sustainable Growth,” outlines:
- Water allocation: La Plata relies on the Lower Patapsco Aquifer, already at 90 percent of its state allocation (1.23 million gallons per day). Demand is expected to exceed that threshold during summer months starting in 2026.
- Infrastructure investments: More than $5 million in upgrades are planned over the next eight years, including meter replacement, well improvements and a $2 million connection to the Charles County system.
- Sewer capacity: The wastewater treatment plant operates at 87 percent of capacity, with plans to expand to 2.0 MGD by 2030 and eventually to 2.5 MGD.
- Development pressures: Thousands of housing units and large commercial projects are in the planning pipeline, adding to demand on water and sewer services.
- Rate study: A Baker Tilly utility rate study recommends 4 percent annual increases through 2032, then 3 percent, to sustain operations and fund improvements.
The presentation also notes that La Plata and Charles County resumed discussions this year after a 14-month pause caused by staff transitions. As part of these talks, the town is exploring a wholesale water purchase agreement with the county, a step staff describes as a potential “solution in progress.”
Sampson’s Objections
In a public statement, Sampson said he rejects “Scenario 2” of the water plan, citing four main reasons:
- Rising costs for residents — The plan would increase water and sewer bills by 4 percent annually through 2032, followed by 3 percent hikes. Sampson said this would “blow a hole through household budgets.”
- Unapproved development — He criticized the inclusion of preliminary plats and site plans not yet approved, calling them distractions from current needs.
- Housing policy linkage — Sampson argued Gov. Wes Moore’s affordable housing order should not be factored into the discussion, noting Charles County’s foreclosure and eviction “hot spots.”
- Lack of growth controls — He pointed out La Plata still lacks an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance or other framework to guide sustainable growth.
Sampson also emphasized that the newly elected council and town manager, seated this summer, have inherited the issue. Mayor Jeannine James, the only returning official with eight years of experience, may provide needed context on past negotiations with the county.
Meeting Details
Residents are encouraged to review the full presentation and agenda ahead of the meeting and attend tonight’s session.
- When: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, at 6 p.m.
- Where: La Plata Town Hall, Council Chambers
- Agenda and presentation: Residents can download the agenda directly from the town’s official calendar page.
La Plata Town Calendar | CivicClerk Agenda Portal
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Greed drives this town, just like all other local governments.