Maryland Greenlights Septic Upgrade Funding In Calvert And Charles Counties

SOUTHERN MARYLAND — The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved up to $2.233 million in grant funding to help homeowners and small businesses upgrade failing septic systems and connect to public sewer systems — with Calvert County receiving one of the highest allocations statewide at $350,000.

The funding, approved without discussion on Jan. 7, 2026, will be distributed through the Maryland Department of the Environment’s Bay Restoration (Septic) Fund. The grants aim to reduce nitrogen pollution entering the Chesapeake Bay and local waterways, especially from older or failing onsite sewage disposal systems.

The funds will be used to replace or upgrade systems using Best Available Technology (BAT) for nitrogen removal. Priority will go to properties located in environmentally sensitive areas, such as critical areas near waterways, followed by failing systems in other areas.

The Bay Restoration (Septic) Fund was established in 2004 under the Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration Act. The program is supported by fees collected from Maryland property owners and is part of a broader effort to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay by reducing pollution from both wastewater treatment plants and septic systems.

In addition to helping protect public health, the upgrades are part of Maryland’s statewide strategy to meet Chesapeake Bay cleanup goals set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information or to apply for assistance, property owners should contact their local health departments or the Maryland Department of the Environment.

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