Sustainable Sewer Solutions (S3) Program
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Rebuilding Beneath, Thriving Above
Reliable sewer service is essential for healthy communities and a clean environment. Through the Sustainable Sewer Solutions (S3) Program, WSSC Water is working in partnership with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to upgrade aging infrastructure, reduce backups, and safeguard local waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay.
S3 Program
S3 is a collaborative initiative with MDE to address WSSC Water’s aging sanitary sewer infrastructure by rehabilitating, replacing and/or relocating critical infrastructure.
Background:
WSSC Water has relied on loan and grant funding from MDE in the forms of the MDE Water Quality Revolving Loan Fund and the MDE Bay Restoration Fund Wastewater Grant for the S3 Program. WSSC Water uses these funds from MDE to support necessary sanitary sewer Capital Improvement Projects whose cost would otherwise have an impact on water/sewer rates.
Current Progress:
The S3 Program is now underway with several projects in construction and additional projects being designed to continue to address system infrastructure needs.
We have continued to apply and been approved for MDE funding. Coordination is ongoing with MDE to determine the terms of the next loan and expanding the S3 Program to ensure we are both — rebuilding beneath and thriving above.
S3 Program Benefits
- Enhance service reliability
- Protect the environment and public health
- Strategically rehabilitate aging sewer infrastructure
- Decrease sanitary sewer overflows and basement backups
- Safeguard local waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay
| Current Project Count = 60 |
30 in Montgomery County |
30 in Prince George’s County |
Total Mileage – 116.5 miles |
| Initial Program Funding |
| $153.9M - MDE Water Quality Revolving Loan Fund |
| $55.7M - MDE Bay Restoration Fund Wastewater Grant |
Upcoming in 2026:
By winter 2026, we should have ALL of our current S3 projects under construction.
WSSC Water remains committed to protecting public health, the environment and our shared future.
MDE-Funded Sewer Projects in Montgomery County
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MDE-Funded Sewer Projects in Prince George's County
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Last Modified: November 13, 2025, 12:39 pm EST