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1. Do I have to pay for sewer if I water my lawn or fill my swimming pool?

Sewer credits are not given for filling pools or other outdoor uses.

2. How can I connect to the county's water and sewer system?

Call or visit the Department of Public Works New Accounts Section, 3334 Abingdon Road, Abingdon, MD 21009, 410-638-3300.

They will tell you if your property is in an area where public water and/or sewer is available. If service is available they can provide you with a cost to connect to the county’s system. The charges for this are paid at the Water and Sewer Accounting Section, first floor of 220 S. Main Street in Bel Air.

3. How often will I receive a water and sewer bill? What are the rates?

Meters are read and billed on a quarterly basis. Water and sewer bills are due 30 days from the date of issue. A penalty is applied to payments received after the due date. Rate schedules are available by calling the Water and Sewer Accounting office at 410-638-3311.

4. I am going to be renting a home. Can I receive the water and sewer bill?

Water and sewer bills are issued to the deeded owner of the property only. If, as a tenant, you are responsible for the water and sewer bill, payment arrangements should be made with the property owner or you can contact the billing office at 410-638-3311. Bills are also available online. Property/Water Bill Search

5. I am moving from my present home in Harford County. What do I need to do?

If you are selling your home, the settlement officer will prorate your portion of the bill based on average consumption. If you are a tenant, please contact the owner of the property. There is a $50 charge for special meter readings.

6. I have a question concerning my water and sewer bill. Who do I contact?

If you have a question concerning billing, consumption, or payment, you can contact the Water and Sewer Accounting Section of the Department of Treasury. The telephone number for the Water and Sewer Accounting staff is 410-638-3311; office hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

7. Why have I been billed for water and sewer usage for three months for a house I just bought one month ago?

Water and sewer bills are pro-rated the same as real estate property tax bills by the settlement officer at time of settlement. Check your settlement sheet you received at that time. You should have been given money from the seller to pay for the water and sewer usage during the period the seller owned the property.

8. What happens if I don't pay my water and sewer bill?

Water and sewer bills not paid on time are subject to penalty charges, possible termination of service and possible sale of the property at property tax sale. Unpaid water and sewer charges are a lien against the property.

9. What is the user benefit assessment?

The charge is levied on all properties that connect to the county’s water and/or sewer system. It lasts for 25 years. The money is used to pay for modification of the water and sewer system and for any debt service that may arise as a result of these modifications.

10. When are the water and sewer assessment notices mailed to properties owners?

Assessment notices are mailed around July 1 each year, the same time as property tax bills. The notices are mailed to the address of the owner listed on the property tax record for the property.

11. Why do I have to pay for water and sewer service when I am already paying property taxes?

No property tax money goes to support the water and sewer system. In accordance with the county charter, the water and sewer fund is self-supporting and is paid for by the users of the system.

12. Where can I pay my water and sewer bill?

The county provides several ways for you to make payment. 

Electronic payments: As part of our commitment to provide citizens with efficient, convenient services, Harford County has partnered with a third-party payment provider to offer electronic payments over the Internet or by telephone. Harford County accepts Visa®, MasterCard®, and Discover® credit cards and electronic checks. To make a payment by phone, call 1-888-288-5609.

By mail: Enclosed with each tax bill is a return envelope for mailing your payment. The address on the envelope is our mail payment processing address in Baltimore. 

In person: You may wish to make payment in person by visiting our office at 220 S. Main Street in Bel Air on the first floor. Convenient parking is available. Office hours are Monday through Friday, except county holidays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The end of the month during July, August, September and December are our busiest times. During these time periods, if you visit our office you may experience a short wait for counter service and difficulty in parking. 

After office hours: A "drop-box" for payment deposits is also located at 220 S. Main Street in Bel Air if our office hours are not convenient. 

Property/Water Bills