Our wAAter

What?

The Septic-to-Sewer Connection Program will improve water quality and public health by converting up to 6,000 private septic systems to public sewer connections over the next 30 years. To assist in meeting this goal, the County is developing a program to reduce the yearly costs of conversion for homeowners in eligible areas.

Why?

More than 40,000 properties in Anne Arundel County use on-site septic systems to treat their wastewater. Septic systems can significantly pollute water under certain conditions.

Even properly operating septic systems can release excessive nutrients in the Bay up to ten times more than enhanced nutrient removal publicly owned water reclamation facilities, which can contaminate nearby waterways, and the Bay, contributing to algal blooms and “dead zones.”

When a household septic system is not properly maintained, untreated wastewater can overwhelm the drain fields and surface to the ground.

Poorly treated wastewater can end up in private drinking water wells if the system is located too close to a well.

Although a carefully maintained, properly used private septic system is generally safe, many of the systems in Anne Arundel County have unique challenges that can contribute to system failure. The Health Department has identified problem areas in the County where conditions could lead to septic system failures, resulting in poor groundwater quality and risks to public health. These On-site Wastewater Management Problem Areas are characterized by:

Impervious
Soil

Steep
Slopes

Small
Lots

High
Levels

Inadequate Areas For Replacement Drain Fields

Are you interested in switching from septic to sewer?

The DPW uses the following criteria to prioritize areas for septic-to-sewer connections

Properties located in an identified On-site Wastewater Management Problem Area.

Properties located within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area.

Properties near existing public sewers.

Projects that are expected to have a favorable return on investment.

View a map of the area

Search for your address on this map to see if your community is in an eligible area for the septic-to-sewer connection program.

Search your address

An application period will open in early to mid-2021. More information on eligibility and the cost of participation will be available soon. To receive updates on the program, sign up here.

Would your neighborhood or community group enjoy a presentation?
We’d be happy to send a DPW representative to speak with you. Please submit a request, and a representative will be in contact with you shortly.

Septic System Maintenance

If you have a septic system but your property is not eligible for the program, you can still take steps to protect the environment and prolong the life of your septic system.

Find important tips and resources on the Anne Arundel Health Department's website.