LEONARDTOWN, MD – March 20, 2020 – The health of everyone in our community is of paramount concern to us. In an effort to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19, protect the health and safety of our employees, customers, and citizens, the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission makes the public aware of the following:  

• As of March 16, 2020, in the interest of public health, no Metropolitan Commission customer will have water turned off due to lack of payment. Water which was earlier turned off, will be temporarily restored. 

• We encourage all customers to take advantage of the variety of options available to pay their water/sewer bill; the U.S. Mail, Online, e-check/auto pay, night depository, and by phone. Find out more at metcom.org by selecting “Payment-Options” under the FISCAL draw down tab.

• As of March 16, 2020, all non-essential MetCom employees that can work from home were encouraged to situationally telework for the foreseeable future.

• On March 17, 2020, and until further notice, all in-home, non-emergency requests, including meter readings, are cancelled and/or postponed.

• As of March 17, 2020 all Metropolitan Commission administrative lobbies and offices were closed to the public. MetCom’s 23121 Camden Way, California, Maryland office has maintained limited access for deliveries, plan review drop off, and has a drop box available for customer payments. Our 43990 Commerce Avenue, Hollywood, Maryland facility has maintained water meter pick-up services, albeit upon request.

• Effective immediately, all bid openings and Commission Meetings will either be postponed or may be observed via our MetCom Connection live stream link found at www.metcom.org under Latest Announcements.

• On March 20, 2020, our administrative offices will be closed with minimal staffing, but we will maintain all mission critical functions at our treatment and water distribution facilities, labs and in our field maintenance operations, with social gathering and distancing protocols. Crews will continue to remain available and are always on stand-by to address emergencies 24/7. For emergencies, please contact us at 301.737.7400.

• Unless declared otherwise, construction inspection services will be maintained until such time that the St. Mary’s County Land Use & Growth Management services are discontinued.

• The septage receiving facility at Marlay Taylor will be closing at noon on a daily basis. 

We appreciate the understanding and support of our customers and thank you for your patience.  These were difficult decisions for our team, but ones we feel were both necessary and appropriate.  Community members who have questions about COVID-19 may visit the SMCHD website, www.smchd.org/coronavirus for local updates and information or call the St. Mary’s County COVID-19 Community Hotline, Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 301.475.4911.