Septic-to-Sewer Connection Program
Anne Arundel County is developing a program to reduce the costs of converting from private septic tanks to the county sewer system. Even a well-maintained septic tank can release harmful pollutants into the Bay.
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What does this impact?
Personal and community health
Water quality
Wildlife and fish habitat
Use of public waters
The Department of Public Works is able to offer support for eligible communities with the following characteristics:
Properties located in identified Wastewater Management Problem Areas
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
- High Groundwater Levels
- Small Lots
- Inadequate Areas For Replacement Drain Fields
Impervious Soil
Steep Slopes
High Groundwater Levels
Small Lots
Inadequate Areas For Replacement Drain Fields
Properties near existing public sewer systems
Properties near existing public sewer system infrastructure are easier to connect to the County’s existing sewer network.
Properties located in close proximity to the Chesapeake Bay
Septic tanks on properties within a 1,000 feet of the Bay have the highest potential to deliver pollutants to our waterways.
How do Septic Systems Impact our Health and our Waterways?
More than 40,000 properties in Anne Arundel County use on-site septic systems to treat their wastewater which can significantly pollute water under certain conditions.
Nutrient Pollution
In dense subdivisions located close to the water, even properly operating private septic systems can release up to eight times more pollutants into the Bay than the County's water reclamation facilities.
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Septic System Impacts on Water Sources
When a household septic system is not properly maintained, untreated wastewater can overwhelm the drain fields and surface to the ground, polluting nearby surface water.
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Decentralized / Onsite Systems
When systems do not operate properly or are too close to private drinking water wells, contaminants from the wastewater may even reach drinking water.
Learn MoreSeptic 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.