recognition of being the best tasting ground water in the region
CALIFORNIA, Md. – Which utility has the very best tasting tap water in the Chesapeake region? The Chesapeake Tri-Association Conference held its annual American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Taste Test Challenge on August 28, 2025, in Ocean City, Maryland. The St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission received top regional honors and became eligible to compete nationally at the AWWA’s 2026 event in Washington, D.C. A panel of esteemed judges rated each entry on its flavor characteristics, appearance, and odor.
“Being able to successfully compete at a regional level is a tremendous honor for the Commission and St. Mary’s County,” said George Erichsen, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Commission. “This award is both a reflection and an acknowledgement of the incredible staff that we have in the Facilities and Operations Department who continue to deliver the highest level of service to our community.”
Drinking water from the Fox Meadow public water system was entered into the competition by MetCom staff. The Fox Meadow system was created in 1987. The system draws water from the Piney Point Aquifer utilizing two water production wells. The system produces roughly 7,000 gallons of water on a daily basis, supplying 34 parcels, including Park Hall Elementary School. Overall, MetCom serves 28 separate water systems with over 1.3 billion gallons of potable water and utilizes 62 well sites and more than 400 miles of water line to distribute it safely to its customers.
The Piney Point Aquifer was first tapped into in the late 1800s on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The thickness of the aquifer ranges from zero feet (northwest of Leonardtown) to 130 feet at Point Lookout. The top of the formation ranges from 50 feet to about 350 feet below sea level in St. Mary’s County.