Wastewater Treatment / Sewer
Public Works is responsible for the operation, maintenance, administration, planning, and engineering of public sewer facilities that service citizens all over the County.
The department serves 2,912 sanitary district customers.
The department owns and operates three wastewater treatment plants, service areas include:
- Tilghman Island, rated at 150,000 gallons per day
- St. Michaels, rated at 660,000 gallons per day - Serves St. Michaels, Rio Vista, Bently Hay, Royal Oak, Newcomb Bellevue, Unionville, Tunis Mills, Copperville, and Martingham
- Preserve at Wye Mills
Request Service
Prior to requesting service, please use our interactive map to ensure the address is located in our service area.
If the address is in the in one of the Sanitary Districts, please reach out to the Public Works Department to further assistance.
Service Areas & Fees
Talbot County sewer serves the following areas, known as "Sanitary Districts". Talbot County imposes annual usage fees and one-time connection fees for new service. Review the rates below for current costs.
| Location | Annual Fee | New Connection Fee | |
| District I | Unionville, Tunis Mills, and Copperville collection system areas | $985 | $10,000 to $12,000 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) |
| District II | St. Michaels, Royal Oak, Newcomb and Bellevue collection system areas | $985 |
$10,000 to $12,000 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) |
| District III | Ferry Point | $1,035 | $10,000 to $12,000 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) |
| District IV | The Preserve at Wye Mills | $1,035 | $10,000 to $12,000 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) |
| District V | Tilghman Island | $745 | $1,490 |
Description of Fees
Annual Fee: The county charges an annual fee for use of the County’s wastewater facilities. Fee varies by district due to differences in collection systems and capital debt shares.
New Connection Fee: These fees are for capital replacement, repair, and system expansion costs. There may be additional charges for new service for retroactive capital debt share costs, which vary according to the service area.
Sewer services are provided in portions of the County by municipalities such as the Town of Easton (Easton Utilities). Prior to requesting sewer service from Talbot County, please use our interactive map to ensure the address is located in our service area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I pay the annual fee?
Sewer fees are billed quarterly and can be paid by mail, online, by phone, or by visiting the Finance office located at Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Suite 9, Easton, MD 21601.
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What type of payment is accepted?
The Finance Office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Checks and money orders can be mailed to the Finance Office. Card payments and electronic checks are accepted on the website here, or through automated phone system at 833-202-4715.
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Where can I find out more information?
For billing information and payment history, reach out to the Finance Office. For additional information or questions, reach out the Sanitary District Officer at 410-770-8023.
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Why do fees vary by region?
Residents bear the cost of the services delivered to their areas. Most regions and sewer development projects are supplemented by grants and state funding, but residents are asked to assist in paying. Each region has a different level of debt service.
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What services are included in the quarterly fees?
The quarterly bill covers general maintenance and repairs. The bill also includes a Bay Restoration Fee charge, and any debt service to the system.
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How can I find out if public water and/or sewer is available on a property I am interested in purchasing?
Use the interactive map, or contact Public Works at 410-770-8170.
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Do you handle Percolation or "Perc" Testing?
No, percolation testing is used for septic managed properties, not sewer. Testing is managed by the Maryland Department of Environmental Health, which can be reached at 410-770-6880.
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Do you have any funding assistance programs?
We understand that paying for sewer can be costly.
Talbot County has a grant to locally administer the Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) program. The BRF is a State-supported program that provides funding to replace conventional septic tanks with nitrogen-reducing units or funding for sewer connections of existing dwellings where public sewer is available.
Learn more about that program here: Bay Restoration Septic Fund
Sanitary District Discrimination Grievance Policy
The Complaint and Grievance Procedure may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint or grievance alleging discrimination that may constitute a violation of 40 CFR Part 7, and to assure the prompt and fair resolution of any such discrimination complaints. The full policy can be found here.
Page last modified Monday, November 25, 2024 12:54:27 PM