FAQs

What Water & Sewer action did the BOCC take on January 24, 2023?
On January 24, 2023, the BOCC received a staff presentation to discuss options to improve the water and sewerage customer relationship with Calvert County Government. The January 24, 2023 discussion only affects water and sewer customers; there is no change for residents or businesses on well or septic. During the January 24, 2023 discussion, the BOCC was asked to:

  1. Direct the repeal and replacement of Resolution 32-16, eliminating additional EDUs for residential customers for both water and sewerage. (Staff will return to the BOCC prior to action)
  2. Direct transition to a tiered billing guide supported with best available technology. (Staff will return to the BOCC prior to action)
  3. Request the reallocation of unexecuted American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support software acceleration. (Staff will return to the BOCC for public hearing to fund technology improvements)
  4. Create and implement educational resources for residential and commercial customers to increase awareness and transparency. (Staff will begin educational outreach within 30 days of the January 24, 2023, presentation)

What input will the Water & Sewer customers have?
Any and all options to make improvements to the county’s water and sewerage system will be considered in the most transparent and comprehensive manner possible. The strength of Calvert County Government rests in its constituents, and we will deliver on our promise to be responsible and accountable to all citizens of Calvert County. 

When was the recent audit and is it still underway?
The most recent EDU audit reviewed water consumption of all Calvert County-owned water and sewer system customers between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2022. Based on recent action by the Board of County Commissioners, the recent EDU audit is no longer valid.

What are EDU Audits?
An EDU is based on actual water consumption during the audit period. The audit was performed only on those systems owned and operated by the Calvert County Department of Public Works, Water and Sewerage Division. The recent Calvert County EDU audit analyzes each Calvert County water and sewer system customer to determine if the customer is on the accurate rate for water use. 

What are EDUs?
An Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) allocates assigned capacity, permitted from the state, for each water system and waste water treatment plant. One EDU equals 18,000 gallons of water per calendar quarter or approximately 200 gallons of water per day. 

What are Capital Connections?
Capital connection fees are charged for capacity allocation to public water and sewer systems. The fees are needed to perform maintenance and upgrades to support the infrastructure that delivers safe water, and for collecting, treating and releasing effluent over the life of a system. Capital connection fees are $3,000 for one water EDU and $5,400 for one sewer EDU. 

Does this affect homes with well and septic?
No.

What are some ways I can reduce my bill and help to conserve water?
Visit our water conservation webpage for water-saving tips.