Purple Line construction endangers PG County water supply

Photo courtesy of Bethesda Magazine.

A portion of the Purple Line, expected to be complete in early 2022, could endanger a 66-inch “critical” water main that runs through Prince George’s County.

The Purple Line construction crew was given permission to add up to 15 feet of dirt on top of the water main which could burst with that amount of pressure. The water is a source for many residents in the Landover area and would be devastating. Jeff Ensor, director of project delivery and finance for the Maryland Transit Administration, said on ABC7 that dirt was placed on top of the water main last summer and he doesn’t believe it has caused a hazard.

A letter was written by to Kevin Quinn, CEO of MTA, asking them to halt the portion of construction that would endanger the water main. It was written by Carla Reid, manager of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, a political division of the Maryland government aimed to ensure safe drinking and wastewater management in Montgomery and Prince George’s County.

State officials have stated that they are willing to the move the pipe so the commission has easier access to the water main, they did not mention safety concerns.