October 17th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Representatives of the federal and state level officials joined the Allegany County Commissioners as well as American Water Service for a packed “Force of Four” Bel Air water meeting.  Bel Air residents relayed high water prices, distresses, and their dislike of the sale with the Maryland branch of American Water’s president, Laura Runkle.  Runkle said the company’s complete takeover will not occur until August 2026, but they have already begun examining the situation…

“We were here on Monday with a team of engineers, water quality specialist, operation specialists, health and safety, IT, security, doing a site visit.  So, it was our first opportunity to lay eyes on the system, get to know it a little better so that when we do become the new service provider next year, we are ready with our transition plan to step in.”