Baltimore Mayor Catherine E. Pugh and Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., today issued a statement confirming their commitment to keeping Baltimore’s water system a public property, operated by and accountable to the citizens.

“Baltimore City’s drinking water system is a jewel that must be maintained in the public trust,” they said. “From the reservoirs in Baltimore and Carroll counties, to our filtration plants in the Ashburton and Montebello communities, we share the commitment of prior generations of civic leaders to keep this life-sustaining resource in public hands.”

This statement follows a series of claims by advocacy groups, through the news media and other channels, questioning the commitment of Baltimore’s leadership to maintaining a publicly owned and operated water system.

“The natural and man-made resources that comprise the Baltimore water system are priceless, and we are determined not to let private interests gain control of our water,” added Mayor Pugh and Director Chow.