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Public Works - Water & Sewer

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1. Who do I call for a water/sewer line break or other related emergencies?

Contact Water & Sewer Maintenance at (410) 612-1612.

Service is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

2. How do I pay my water/sewer bill?

The County provides several ways for you to make payment.

By Mail:
Bureau of Revenue Collections
P.O. Box 609,
Bel Air, Maryland 21014.

In Person:
220 South Main Street
Bel Air, Maryland 21014

Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Except on County holidays

A "drop-box" for payment is also located at this address.

By Telephone:
To make a payment by phone, call 1.844.836.9732

Visa®, MasterCard®, and Discover® credit cards and electronic checks are accepted. A convenience fee may apply.

3. Why has my water & sewer bill increased?

We have detailed information provided on one page for your convenience. Please visit our Water & Sewer Rate page here.

4. I have question concerning my water/sewer bill. Who can I speak to?

Contact the Water & Sewer Accounting Section within the Department of Treasury at (410) 638-3311 or e-mail

5. What is in my water?

In general Harford County's treated water contains chlorine to disinfect the water (1.0 to 1.5 parts per million), and fluoride (0.7 parts per million). The pH of the treated water is maintained at 7.2 - 7.3 and phosphate is added to protect piping. Carbon is used to remove odor and taste, but the carbon is filtered out before the finished water leaves the plant. A Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is prepared annually and is provided to all customers in accordance with federal and state requirements. To view the Latest CCR .

6. What is my water tested for, and how often is it tested?

Water is tested at the plant for chlorine, pH, fluoride levels, bacteria, and turbidity (water clarity). These tests are performed hourly. In addition, a variety of analyzers are used that test the water on a continuous basis to monitor raw water quality and the quality of the water at various points in the treatment process.

In addition to the tests performed at the treatment plant, 100 samples each month are analyzed from various areas of the County water distribution system and tested for bacteria, and chlorine residual. If any test is positive, a new sample is taken from the same area and re-tested. Positive findings must be reported to the Maryland Department of the Environment, and the public would be notified through the media. Harford County has never had a confirmed positive reading related to the water quality of the distribution system.

And periodic samples are taken throughout the distribution system to demonstrate compliance with the lead and copper rule and the disinfection byproducts rule.

7. How can I find out if public water and/or sewer is available on a property I am interested in purchasing?

Contact the Division of Water & Sewer at (410) 638-3300 or e-mail the address of the property and your contact information.

8. How do I get a water and/or sewer permit?

Contact the Division of Water & Sewer at (410) 638-3300 or e-mail the address of the property whether it is new construction or an existing structure, and your contact information.

9. I am moving. Who should I call to get the water turned on at my new residence?

If you are moving, contact the Water & Sewer Accounting Section within the Department of Treasury at (410) 638-3311 or e-mail . They will assist you in scheduling for the water to be turned on to your property.

10. Do I need a water and/or sewer permit to connect to public services?

Yes. First submit an application for service to the Division of Water & Sewer. After approval, a licensed plumber will need to apply for a plumbing connection permit.

11. How do I connect to public water and/or sewer?

Contact the Division of Water & Sewer at (410) 638-3300 or e-mail the address of the property, whether it is new construction or an existing structure, and your contact information. The Division will determine if public water and/or sewer is available and will work with the property owner to explain the steps involved from application, payment of fees, installation of service and permits required.

12. I am on a private well system and need my water tested. Who can I call?

You may call the Harford County Department of Health at (410) 838-1500 or e-mail

13. I am renting a home. Can I have the water bill sent to directly to me?

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.

14. My well went dry. How do I connect to public water?

Contact the Division of Water & Sewer at (410) 638-3300 or e-mail the address of the property and your contact information. The Division will determine if public water is available and will work with the property owner on the next steps.

15. Do you handle Percolation or "Perc" Testing?

No, the Harford County Department of Health handles Percolation Testing. You may contact them at (410) 838-1500 or email to harfordcounty.healthdepartment@maryland.gov.

16. My septic is failing. How do I connect to public sewer?

Contact the Division of Water & Sewer at (410) 638-3300 or e-mail the address of the property and your contact information. The Division will determine if public sewer is available and will work with the property owner on the next steps.

17. My water is turned off due to non-payment. Who can I call to get it turned back on?

Contact the Water & Sewer Accounting Section within the Department of Treasury at (410) 638-3311 or e-mail . They will assist in scheduling for the water to be turned on to your property once a payment arrangement has been made.

18. What is the User Benefit Assessment?

This 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.

19. How much are the connection charges for water and/or sewer

Connection charges are site specific and vary throughout the service area. The water and/or sewer hookup charges are calculated based on the location of the property, the use of the property (residential versus non-residential), number of water/sewer fixtures (non-residential) or number of residential dwellings, and the amount of fire demand (non-residential). For an estimate contact the Division of Water & Sewer at (410) 638-3300 or e-mail .

20. What is the 15-year water meter replacement program?

Harford County DPW has implemented this program to replace water meters that are currently greater than 15 years old at no charge to our customers.

21. What will the replacement of my water meter entail?

If your old meter is located outside your home our mechanics will swap out the meter without contacting you.  If your meter is inside your home it will require our mechanics have access inside your home to exchange the meter requiring you to schedule an appointment.  You will be notified of the need to contact us for scheduling.  Someone at least 18 years old must be home during your installation appointment.  In addition, consider the following:

• Appointments are typically scheduled at an exact time between 7:30 am and 2:00 pm Monday through Friday.  Evening or Saturday appointments are possible on a limited basis and subject to availability.
• The meter mechanic will need space around the meter to perform the work, and access to the shut-off valves.  
• The valves must be in good working order prior to the meter replacement appointment.
• Normal meter installation time is approximately 15-30 minutes, during which time the water will be shut off for approximately 5-10 minutes.

22. Will anything change as a result of my new water meter?

The new meter will typically operate the same as the old meter.  All water meters in Harford County have a wireless device that transmits the meter readings on a licensed radio frequency over a short distance to a handheld.  

You may detect a slight increase in your water bill.  As meters age, they tend to run slower and lose accuracy over time.  The new meters record consumption more accurately.

23. What if there is a leak at the water meter or any problems after the meter is replaced?

Please call the Harford County Division of Water and Sewer Maintenance Department at 410-612-1612.