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For safer septic systems, MD needs inspections!
Email your representatives! Septic systems are a critical piece of infrastructure that treats the wastewater coming off individual properties, so it is less hazardous to human health and the environment. It is critical that they are functioning, but because they are buried in the yard it is easy for them to silently fail and go unnoticed. Pathogens from septic systems are a problem, and we want to catch them before they pollute surface water and drinking water. An evaluation of data from the CDC’s Waterborne Disease and Outbreak Surveillance System found that septic systems contributed to 67%
Our 2026 Maryland Legislative Priorities
Maryland’s General Assembly begins today, and for the first time since 2018, Clean Water Action is not asking for your help in ending subsidies for burning trash under Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio. Your tireless support over the years made a difference, and the General Assembly ended these subsidies last year. Thank you! We’re working to bring that winning energy into 2026 and secure real progress for clean water, zero waste, and environmental justice. Here are our top priorities for this year’s legislative session, and how you can help! The CHERISH Our Communities Act This landmark bill
HB1765: Septic Stewardship Plans
Pollution from septic systems is an ongoing issue in local Maryland streams and rivers, the Chesapeake Bay, and in wells. Last summer, we participated in a summer working group to identify the problems and possible solutions for moving forward. HB1765 is a result of collaboration among stakeholders and has passed the House of Delegates. This bill has passed both the House and Senate! The Problem: There are two types of pollution associated with septic systems: nitrogen and bacteria. Nitrogen is a nutrient pollutant - a fertilizer for plants that can cause algae blooms and deadzones in our
Baltimore City and basement sewage back-ups
Two years ago, as Baltimore City renegotiated its agreement with the EPA to repair faults and design flaws in its sewage system, residents spoke out and organized because their neighborhoods had a chronic sewage problem: at times the system designed to collect and pipe sewage to treatment plants would fail, causing raw sewage to overflow into their homes. As a result of these protests and comments submitted by advocacy groups, the final consent decree was revised to include requirements that Baltimore develop programs for basement backups caused by problems in city-owned infrastructure. Under
Complete Streets and clean air in Baltimore
If not for the snow, the Baltimore City Council would have held a hearing today on the Complete Streets ordinance, a bill that would help Baltimore ensure that roads are designed with the safety and wellness of all people in mind. Transportation planning that prioritizes public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian uses helps people stay healthier, air stay cleaner, and the climate stay cooler. Read our testimony below, and click here to send your own comments to the Council. Thanks to this snowstorm, it's not too late! Bill: Baltimore City Council Bill 17-0102 – Complete Streets Committee: Land
