Maryland American Water has announced that it has received approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to acquire the drinking water assets of Severn Water Company for approximately $1.6 million. This marks the first acquisition by Maryland American Water under the fair market value legislation enacted by the Maryland General Assembly in 2018.
Barry Suits, president of Maryland American Water, expressed enthusiasm for the PSC’s order, stating, “We look forward to welcoming the 1,685 customers previously served by Severn Water Company to Maryland American Water in the near future. They will benefit from our company’s strong track record in water quality and safety.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in capital improvements to ensure that water service remains clean, safe, reliable, and affordable.
The agreement for the sale was signed in November 2023, prompted by Severn Water Company’s need for enhanced water management expertise. In 2023 alone, Maryland American Water invested $3.5 million in improvements for its system serving the Town of Bel Air.
Stephanie Metz, a representative for Severn Water Company, remarked, “Selling to Maryland American Water is the right decision for the Severn Water Company. They have a long history in the state, providing drinking water to the town of Bel Air since the 1930s. We trust their expertise to continue operating this system.”
Maryland American Water plans to provide information to Severn Water Company’s customers about how to enroll in MyWater, the company’s online customer portal, along with details on various customer service programs, including bill-paying assistance and conservation tips.
