The Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management completed a water quality study in the Benedict Community in 2021.  The purpose was to analyze the impact of septic effluent on receiving waters.

The study was performed by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science located in Solomon’s Island, MD.  Scientists installed seven ground water monitoring wells in Benedict, which were 1” diameter polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and up to 7 feet deep.  In the spring and summer of 2021, they took water samples from the wells and seven additional locations in the surface water around Benedict. Samples were then analyzed for septic effluent tracers.  This report along with next steps was presented to the Charles County Commissioners on November 1, 2022.  

Future updates related to next steps will be posted to this location. If you would like to be e-mailed updates on the study please register using the form below.  To contact County staff about the project please call the Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management at 301-645-0692 or send an e-mail to Benedict_Study@charlescountymd.gov.

Benedict Septic Tracer Final Report
Benedict Water Quality Results & Next Steps Briefing
November 1, 2022 Commissioner Meeting Recording

UPDATE 3/7/2023:  The Commissioners were briefed on the Hughesville Village Water and Sewer project (a potential solution for public sewer in Benedict) on March 7, 2023. Please visit the Hughesville Village Water and Sewer project webpage for updates. 

REGISTER FOR E-MAIL UPDATES

Fill out the form below to register for study updates via email.