Advocates may try to extend life of the ‘flush tax’ in 2027

Since 2004, Maryland's “flush tax” has raised $2.3 billion for wastewater treatment plant upgrades that have kept hundreds of millions of pounds of nutrients out of the Bay. It could decrease in 2030, but advocates say sewage treatment plants still need the help.

By: Christine Condon

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: September 28, 2026

Words: 1,353

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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Since its enactment in 2004, Maryland’s “flush tax” has raised $2.3 billion from property owners, funding pollution-saving upgrades at scores of wastewater treatment plants in the state and keeping hundreds of millions of pounds of nutrients out of the Chesapeake Bay.

The fee for the Bay Restoration Fund is set to be cut in half in 2030, but a group of state legislators and Chesapeake Bay advocates want to step and head that off, possibly …

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