Septic-to-Sewer Options Around Great Mills

Are you weighing a switch from septic to public sewer in Great Mills? You are not alone. Many homeowners want fewer surprises, simpler maintenance, and better long-term value. In this quick guide, you’ll learn how to check your property’s status, what connection paths exist, where funding comes from, and how long it all takes in St. Mary’s County. Let’s dive in.

Who provides sewer in Great Mills

MetCom (St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission) owns and operates the county’s public sewer systems, including customer connections, taps, billing, and capital projects. You can review system basics and grinder pump information on MetCom’s wastewater page. Learn more about MetCom’s collection system.

The County uses a Comprehensive Water & Sewerage Plan (CWSP) to stage service to different areas. A parcel’s CWSP category shows if it is already served, planned for service, or not planned yet. You can look up your parcel’s category online.

How to check your property’s status

• Use the County’s Property Lookup to find your address and view the CWSP sewer category. Check your parcel in the St. Mary’s County GIS.
• Contact MetCom Engineering to confirm whether sewer is available, if an EDU is allocated, and what permits you need. Start with MetCom’s engineering and submittal page.
• Ask the St. Mary’s County Health Department about grant eligibility through the Clear Water Bay Restoration Fund. See the Clear Water Bay Restoration Fund program.

Paths from septic to sewer

If sewer is available now

If a public main is adjacent to your lot or service is already allocated, your next steps are straightforward:

• Apply for the required sewer tap and connection permits through MetCom.
• Hire a licensed contractor to install the lateral from your home to the main and schedule inspections.
• Properly abandon your septic tank as required by the Health Department. Review SMCHD’s septic guidance.

In some locations, elevation means you may need a grinder pump to connect to the system. MetCom explains grinder pumps and system basics.

If service is planned but not built yet

If your parcel shows a planned category in the CWSP, that means the County and MetCom have identified your area for future service. Timelines vary with capital budgets and project schedules. Contact MetCom to confirm whether a specific project is funded and when it might reach your street.

If your area is not planned, or you want sewer sooner

Neighborhoods can petition for sewer extensions. MetCom offers programs that help communities share and repay project costs over time, often through a Special Benefit Assessment or other connection incentives. Typical steps include petitioning, feasibility study, public meeting, funding decision, design, construction, and individual connections. Explore MetCom’s petition and financing options.

Costs, financing, and grants

Connection costs vary with distance to the main, road work, elevation, and whether a grinder pump is required. MetCom publishes current rates and fees, and it collects the Bay Restoration Fee for customers. See MetCom’s rates and billing information and review common billing FAQs.

For help with upfront costs, the St. Mary’s County Health Department administers the Clear Water Bay Restoration Fund. The program prioritizes failing systems and Critical Area properties, and it can assist with public sewer connection costs for eligible homeowners. View the Clear Water program and read the BRF FAQs including eligibility and steps.

For larger, community-scale projects, counties often combine state and federal resources. The Maryland Department of the Environment lists funding sources used for sewer extensions, including SRF and BRF-backed packages. See Maryland’s funding sources overview.

Timelines to expect

• If the main is in front of your home and the work is routine, the permit, installation, and inspection process often completes within weeks to a few months. Contractor schedules and site conditions are the big variables. MetCom’s billing FAQs cover common connection questions.
• If an extension is needed, expect a longer horizon. Petition validation, design, funding approvals, and construction can take many months to several years. That is why confirming CWSP status and project funding early is key.

Pros and key considerations

• Pros: You reduce septic maintenance risks and potential replacement costs and lower the chance of groundwater contamination. Funding programs can offset connection costs for eligible homes. See the BRF FAQs.
• Considerations: Upfront costs can be significant, especially if road work or a grinder pump is needed. Timelines for planned areas depend on county budgets and project schedules.

Quick homeowner checklist

• Look up your property in the County GIS to confirm the CWSP sewer category. Use the Property Lookup tool.
• Call or email MetCom Engineering to confirm availability, permits, and any connection incentives. Start here.
• If sewer is available: request a cost estimate, apply for permits, hire a licensed contractor, and schedule inspections. Check MetCom’s billing FAQs.
• If sewer is not available: ask MetCom about a neighborhood petition, Special Benefit Assessment, and payment plan options. See programs and forms.
• Ask SMCHD about Clear Water BRF assistance for eligible connections. Review the program.

Ready to talk through what septic to sewer might mean for resale or new construction potential around Great Mills? Reach out to Laura Bernth - Hammer and Heels Realtor for local, construction‑savvy guidance tailored to your property and timeline.

FAQs

How do I confirm if my Great Mills home can connect to sewer?

• Start with the County’s Property Lookup to view your CWSP sewer category, then contact MetCom Engineering to confirm availability, EDU status, and permits. Use the GIS tool and contact MetCom.

If sewer is nearby, am I required to connect in St. Mary’s County?

• Requirements vary with location and distance to a main. Check with MetCom for your parcel and review current county rules and rate documents. See MetCom’s billing and rates info.

What funding can help pay for a connection in Great Mills?

• The St. Mary’s Clear Water Bay Restoration Fund can provide assistance for eligible homeowners, and MetCom offers connection incentives and assessment options. Review the BRF program and MetCom’s programs.

How does a neighborhood sewer petition work?

• Typical steps include petition circulation to show support, feasibility and design, a public meeting, funding via special assessment or payment plan, construction, and then individual connections. Learn about MetCom’s petition and financing options.

What happens to my septic tank after I connect to public sewer?

• The Health Department requires proper abandonment or decommissioning, including permits and inspections. Your contractor coordinates this process. See SMCHD’s septic guidance.