What is the Bay Restoration Fee or “flush tax”?
A. Section 9-1605.2 of the Environment Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland created the Bay Restoration Fund which was established by the State of Maryland and is dedicated to improving the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. In order to provide funding for these water improvement projects, the State has assessed a “Bay Restoration Fee” to most property owners in Maryland. The County, Town or private utility provider is required to collect this fee on behalf of the State. Just as any other property tax, this fee will be treated as a lien on your property. Nonpayment could ultimately result in tax sale. The first part of the program began January 1, 2005, with the assessment of a $7.50 per quarter charge ($30 per year) on the sewer or water bills of property owners served by public utilities. The second part of the program became effective October 1, 2005, and requires us to collect $30 per year from property owners who have private septic systems and are not served by public wate
