Mission

Design, build and maintain adequate infrastructure. Provide prompt, efficient services to include the manufacture and delivery of quality drinking water, and the treatment of wastewater.

Function

The Department of Public Works is responsible for the establishment, maintenance and operation of the City's infrastructure and facilities including:

• water and wastewater treatment plants
• associated distribution and collection systems
• parks, streets, sidewalks, storm water collection systems
• solid waste and recycling (Schedule)
• public land and buildings
• capital projects

• the establishment and implementation of departmental policies and procedures
• develops and measure accomplishment of short and long range goals
• development and achievement of department cost and capital budgets
• oversight of construction projects, and compliance with numerous state and federal environmental regulations

• Infrastructure
• Water Production
• Property and Facilities
• Wastewater

• Maintaining 70 miles of streets and lanes and associated stormwater collection systems.
• Street sweeping (schedule)
• Snow plowing of snow emergency routes and public streets which are identified with green street signs.
• Downed trees and large limbs removal
• Landscaping of public parks, maintenance of playgrounds and equipment
• Support to local organizations during the 37 major special events.
• Street closure and rerouting
• Provide support for the Harford Memorial Hospital. Allowing ambulances, doctors, nurses, and medical supplies to flow to where they are most needed, during inclement weather.

• Built around 1954, the plant was upgraded in 1983 and is meeting all guidelines from Maryland Department of the Environment and EPA.
• The Safe Drinking Water Act publishes new guidelines on a continuous basis. Check AWWA.org for more information.
• The City of Havre de Grace Plant was designed to produce 4.0 million gallons per day and with the new requirements can still produce 3.9 million gallons per day.
• Current production is 1.7 millions gallons a day (mgd)
• Havre de Grace provides two million gallons of water each day to Harford County.
• During peak demand times or emergencies the county can supply water to Havre de Grace through an interconnection at the far western end of the city.
• The Susquehanna River supplies us with our drinking water.
• Six operators, one maintenance personnel and two supervisors make the water for the City of Havre de Grace.
• Operators hold licenses from the Maryland Department of the Environment.
• Extensive training--three years experience and passage of a rigorous exam--are requirements to obtain a license. Training is ongoing and is required for license renewal every three years.
• The report shows excellent water quality and adherence to the optimized plant quality standards.
• Water is transported through approximately 40 miles of water mains within the City's system, plus a service line to each building.
• Water is stored in the Graceview and Lapidum Road tanks, providing pressure and sufficient fire flow for the City of Havre de Grace.
• Customers
• Over 3600 residential meter connections
• Over 11,000 customers
• Six industries using greater than 25,000 gallons per day.