Water main breaks can be disruptive, but Facilities Management (FM) is always ready to respond. Here’s what causes them, how we handle them, and what we’re doing to prevent future issues.
How common are water main breaks?
UMD experiences 10 to 25 water main breaks each year. In the past two years (2023-24), we’ve been on the higher end of that range: 28 breaks in 2023 and 24 in 2024.
(For comparison, the region’s water provider WSSC reports that they repair more than 1,700 water main breaks annually.)
Do water main breaks cause water outages?
Yes, every water main repair requires a temporary outage to allow crews to fix the issue safely. The impact depends on the size of the pipe, location, and type of failure.
The university owns a 20+ mile underground water distribution system, with pipes ranging from 4" to 12" in diameter. FM works quickly to minimize disruptions while making necessary repairs.
What causes water main breaks?
Water main failures are usually due to:
Aging infrastructure – Older pipes are more prone to failure.
Temperature changes – Extreme cold or rapid shifts in temperature can cause pipes to crack.
Soil conditions & ground movement – Shifting soil can put stress on pipes.
Underground utility complexity – Water pipes run near steam, electricity, IT, natural gas, and stormwater systems, creating additional challenges.
How long does it take to fix a water main break?
Repair time varies based on the size, location, and complexity of the break. Some are resolved the same day, while others—such as major breaks on Preinkert Drive (Oct. 2023) and Regents Drive (Dec. 2024)—require road closures and extended repairs. Some breaks are not immediately visible and require additional time to locate.
What is UMD doing to prevent future breaks?
UMD has replaced several aging water mains over the past 10 years, including along Capel Field, the Fraternity Houses, and Farm Drive. FM evaluates when to replace pipes based on:
Age, number of previous failures, and flow rates from fire hydrants.
In addition, FM is investing in water valve maintenance and GIS mapping of underground systems to improve response times and minimize disruptions.
Who is involved when a break occurs?
FM coordinates with:
- Academic departments and campus units (DRF, Stamp, RecWell, Dining Services, ICA, Health Center)
- The Fire Marshal’s office to ensure fire suppression systems remain functional
- Campus event planners to minimize disruption to scheduled activities
Final Takeaway
While water main breaks are an unavoidable part of maintaining an aging underground system, FM is always ready to respond quickly to restore service with minimal disruption. Our crews work around the clock to keep campus running smoothly—because we’re not just fixing pipes, we’re keeping UMD flowing.