CALLAWAY, Md. — St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) installed its first 30,000-gallon water storage tank on March 6, 2025, in the Porto Bello Subdivision in Callaway. The initiative, part of a multiyear capital project with local fire departments, aims to bolster emergency response in rural areas lacking public water service from the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom). The tank marks a step toward reducing fire risks and enhancing safety across the county.
The project addresses a critical need in isolated regions where water access for firefighting is limited. Each tank, measuring 10 feet wide by 54 feet long, can hold enough water to support fire suppression efforts in emergencies. The next installation is planned for the Ridge Firehouse’s carnival grounds, with additional sites under review. The county is collaborating with a fire department planning team to select locations based on accessibility and property agreements.
“These water tanks and hydrants will provide a critical resource for our fire departments in areas that do not have public water service,” said Jennifer Utz, Director of the St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services. “The County is committed to supporting our emergency responders and ensuring our residents have the resources they need to stay safe. We are grateful for the support and work being done by our Department of Public Works & Transportation to make this a reality.”
St. Mary’s County, spanning 357 square miles with a population of about 113,000, includes many rural areas reliant on volunteer fire departments, according to the county’s website. The lack of municipal water infrastructure in these zones has long posed challenges during emergencies. Dry hydrants, paired with the tanks, allow firefighters to quickly draw water without depending on distant sources like ponds or rivers, cutting response times. The county’s 2023 fire statistics reported 342 fire incidents, underscoring the need for improved resources.
The Porto Bello tank is the first of several planned installations. DPW&T is coordinating logistics, including site preparation and tank delivery, while ensuring minimal disruption to residents. The project’s funding comes from the county’s capital improvement budget, though specific costs were not disclosed. For further details, residents can contact DPW&T at (301) 475-4200 x3565 or email gary.whipple@stmaryscountymd.gov.
This effort builds on St. Mary’s County’s history of supporting its seven volunteer fire departments, which serve alongside career staff from the Department of Emergency Services. The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute notes that rural water supply solutions like these are increasingly common in areas without hydrant systems. By placing tanks strategically, the county aims to protect homes and woodlands in its more remote corners, where response times can stretch due to distance.
As additional tanks are installed, officials expect a measurable boost to firefighting capabilities, offering peace of mind to residents and first responders alike.
