The Water and Sewer Billing Division handles billing questions. They can be reached at 410-313-2058.

Estimated usage is normally the result of a stopped meter. Contact the Water and Sewer Billing Division at 410-313-2058 to schedule an appointment to have the meter repaired. Approximately two weeks after the meter repair, a reading will be taken to evaluate the accuracy of the estimated usage.

Billing information should be directed to the Water and Sewer Billing Department at 410-313-2058. Water bills are not forwarded. All forwarding addresses must be submitted to the Department of Finance. The forwarding address with the postal service does not allow the water bills to be forwarded.

Water and sewer charges are based on the metered volume of water consumed from the public water system. The consumption is multiplied by the water usage rate and the sewer usage rate. Sewer charges are higher because of the cost of wastewater treatment.

The County may adjust sewer charges if a leak occurs underground. In this situation, the leak must be repaired first and then a letter requesting an adjustment needs to be sent to the Department of Finance. Attach a copy of the plumbing bill to the letter and include a name and day time phone number for the person to be contacted.

A utility worker from the Bureau of Utilities Meter Division will inspect the property location to verify that the leak has been repaired and that no other leaks exist. He/she will also read the meter and then generate a field report for submission to the meter supervisor who will determine if a sewer charge adjustment is warranted.

The calculation to estimate your water bill is as follows:

Divide the number of gallons used to fill the pool by 748*
Multiply the result times the current water and sewer rates

*This is the number of gallons in one unit of consumption

The County does not provide final billing. Water and sewer charges are billed on a quarterly basis and constitute a lien on the property. Howard County does not pro-rate between buyer/seller or landlord/tenant. If you’re selling the property, monies will be pro-rated at settlement. If you are a tenant, please contact the landlord/management company.

Payment by check over the phone is not available at this time.

No. Payments made in person must be brought to the Howard Building in Ellicott City.

We have no way of knowing who is living on the property unless we are notified. Water billing is a lien against the property and bills are addressed "Owner/Occupant" for delivery to the property location.

The water user charge is a set fee for reading and maintaining the water meter. The sewer user charge is a set fee for maintaining and cleaning the sewer lines.