Water and Sewer Master Plan

Title 9, Subtitle 5, Annotated Code of Maryland, requires each county to develop water supply and sewerage systems in accordance with a county Master Plan which specifies the extent, adequacy, sizing, staging, and other characteristics of such facilities so that they are in compliance with State laws relating to air pollution, water pollution, environmental protection and land use. It further specifies that the extension and expansion of such water supply and sewerage systems shall be consistent with the County’s General Development Plan (GDP). The State also requires that each county conduct an update of its Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems every three years. The current Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems was adopted in January of 2008.

The goals of the County Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems are to:

• Ensure that a sufficient supply of water will be collected, treated and delivered to the point of use where it is required
• Plan infrastructure to collect wastewater from and extend to areas programmed for growth and delivered to points best suited for waste treatment and disposal or reuse
• Ensure that both services shall be monitored and maintained in a manner that strives to maximize the public health, safety and welfare for all while minimizing environmental impacts

Sewer and water service levels and needs are not the same throughout the County. Land uses and development densities differ from area to area. Sewer and water facilities have allowed the County to plan for suburban and urban development patterns in the planned service areas. Limiting the expansion of sewer and water service in other areas has maintained a rural development pattern there. In the rural areas, on-site and small private treatment systems provide wastewater treatment. Groundwater continues to be the primary source of potable water for most rural residences.

Three out of every four homes in the County are served by public sewer. The County has 10 sewer service areas and a rural area. Each sewer service area has its own treatment plant with an outfall located on a river or the Chesapeake Bay. The capacity of these plants to accept sewage determines the limits of development which may occur in the service area. Because of sewer systems’ reliance on gravity flow, the service areas follow drainage areas and  are not interconnected. (Sewer Service Map)

The County has twelve water pressure zones and a limited service area (Rural). The interconnection of these service areas is in process. As key transmission mains and booster pumps are improved, the County will achieve a single service area. The City of Annapolis and Fort Meade each have a water supply system separate from the County. The State regulates the amount of water which can be pumped from wells or drawn from water surface bodies. (Water Service Map)

Telephone: (410) 222-7432
FAX: (410) 222-7487

Mail:
Office of Planning and Zoning
Heritage Office Complex 
Long Range Planning
2664 Riva Road, MS 6403
Annapolis, MD 21401