BOWIE, Md. (7News) — Residents in Bowie, Maryland, say a long-standing issue with discolored tap water is getting worse — and they’re demanding the city move faster to fix it.
For some families, turning on the faucet has become an unsettling routine. Clear water can quickly turn cloudy — even brown — something residents say has been happening for years but now appears more frequent.
Some describe the water in Bowie as looking like “light beer,” while others say the situation has become simply unacceptable.
APRIL 8, 2026 – Photo of discolored tap water in Bowie, Maryland. (7News)
City officials said the issue stems from aging infrastructure beneath the surface.
Much of Bowie’s water system still relies on cast-iron pipes dating back to the 1960s. Over time, those pipes have built up rust and sediment along the interior walls.
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When the system is disrupted — whether by water main breaks, firefighting activity, or even routine maintenance — that sediment can become dislodged and flow into homes. Despite the discoloration, officials maintain the water remains safe to drink under federal and state standards. But that reassurance has done little to ease concerns among residents.
Bowie resident Sal Giglio said he no longer feels comfortable using the tap. “This is a long-term project, it’s gonna take decades and millions of dollars.
7News asked, even though the city is saying it’s safe to drink, you are not drinking it?
He answered, “Nah, no, I have like cases of water outside. Absolutely not.”
APRIL 8, 2026 – Photo of discolored tap water in Bowie, Maryland. (7News)
Many residents said they’ve turned to bottled water instead — adding both cost and inconvenience to their daily lives.
City leaders acknowledge the problem won’t be fixed overnight. According to Daniel Mears, officials are preparing to take additional action.
“The City Council will be receiving, later this week, a proposal from staff to conduct $5 million worth of pipelining in it,” Mears said.
The proposed work would focus on lining aging pipes to reduce corrosion and limit the amount of sediment entering the water supply.
In the meantime, the city says it is:
Officials say fully addressing the issue will require significant investment over time, with upgrades expected to cost millions and take years — if not decades — to complete.
For residents like Giglio, the timeline is frustrating — and confidence in the water system remains shaken.
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