The Sewer Key appears in the top section of Schedule 1, usually near the property identification information

Schedule 1 is the first page of your property tax record, and the Sewer Key is listed in the upper portion alongside other property details. The exact position varies slightly by county, but it typically sits in the same area as your parcel number, property address, and owner information — the identifying details that appear before the assessment breakdown.

The Sewer Key itself is a short code, usually one or two characters, that tells you which sewer system serves your property. It might read as a letter (like "A" or "B"), a number (like "1" or "2"), or a combination. This code connects to a legend elsewhere in your county's tax documents that explains what each code means — for example, "A" might mean municipal sewer, while "B" might mean septic system or a specific district sewer line.

If you are looking at a printed copy of Schedule 1, scan the top third of the page. If you are viewing it online through your county assessor's website, the Sewer Key usually appears in a summary box or table at the top of the document before the detailed assessment information begins.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sewer Key is located in the upper section of Schedule 1, grouped with other property identifiers like the parcel number and address.
  • The Sewer Key is a short code — typically one or two characters — that identifies which sewer system serves your property.
  • The code itself (such as "A", "B", or "1") corresponds to a legend in your county's tax documents that explains what each designation means.
  • On printed copies, look in the top third of the page; on online versions, check the summary box or header area before the assessment details.

Why the Sewer Key matters for your property record

The Sewer Key tells you and potential buyers or lenders what type of wastewater system your property uses. This affects maintenance costs, insurance, financing options, and resale value. A property on municipal sewer typically has lower ongoing costs than one on a septic system, which requires regular pumping and inspection. Lenders and title companies need this information to complete transactions.

If you are planning renovations, selling your home, or refinancing, you will need to know your Sewer Key code and what it means. Some lenders require septic systems to be inspected before they will finance a purchase. Knowing your code upfront saves time when you are gathering documents for these processes.

How to read the Sewer Key legend

Once you locate the Sewer Key code on Schedule 1, you need to find what it means. Most counties include a legend or key on the same page or on a separate page of the tax record. The legend lists each code and its meaning — for example, "M" for municipal sewer, "S" for septic, or "D" for district sewer.

If the legend is not on Schedule 1 itself, check the cover page or the instructions that came with your tax record. County assessor websites often include a glossary or data dictionary that explains all codes used in their tax documents. If you cannot find it, call your county assessor's office and give them your parcel number; they can tell you what your Sewer Key code means in seconds.

What different Sewer Key codes typically mean

Codes vary by county, so your legend is the only reliable source for your specific area. However, common patterns exist across most jurisdictions. Municipal or public sewer systems are often coded as "M", "P", "A", or "1". Septic systems are frequently "S", "B", or "2". Some counties use codes for specific sewer districts — for example, "WD1" for Water District 1 or "SD3" for Sewer District 3.

A few counties use longer codes that combine information. For instance, a code might indicate both the sewer type and the water system serving the property. Always refer to your county's specific legend rather than guessing based on what you see in another county's records.

Finding Schedule 1 if you do not have a copy

If you do not have your property tax record in front of you, most county assessor offices post them online. Go to your county assessor's website, search by parcel number or address, and read or view Schedule 1 directly. Some counties require you to create a free account; others let you search without logging in.

If your county does not have online access, you can request a copy by phone, email, or in person at the assessor's office. There is usually no charge for a single copy. Have your parcel number or full property address ready when you contact them. If you do not know your parcel number, the assessor's office can look it up using your street address.

Common reasons to look up your Sewer Key

Homebuyers and their lenders need the Sewer Key to understand what system the property uses and what future costs might be. If you are buying a home on septic, you will want to budget for pumping every three to five years and occasional repairs. Septic systems also affect your ability to add bathrooms or expand the house without upgrading the system.

Sellers include the Sewer Key information in property disclosures so buyers know what they are purchasing. Real estate agents use it to help price homes — properties on municipal sewer often sell for more than comparable homes on septic. If you are refinancing, your lender may ask for this information to update their records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the Sewer Key on my Schedule 1?

Check the entire first page, including any boxes or tables at the top and sides. If it is not there, look at the cover page or instructions that came with your tax record. If you still cannot locate it, contact your county assessor's office with your parcel number and ask them to tell you the code and what it means.

Does the Sewer Key tell me if my septic system is failing?

No. The Sewer Key only identifies which type of system serves your property — it does not indicate the condition of that system. If you own a septic system and want to know its condition, you need a professional septic inspection, not the tax record.

Can the Sewer Key change?

Yes, if your property is connected to a new sewer system — for example, if your county extends municipal sewer to your area and you connect to it. The assessor updates the code when the change is recorded. This usually happens within a year of the connection.

Is the Sewer Key the same as the water key?

No. Schedule 1 may list both a Sewer Key and a Water Key. The Sewer Key tells you about wastewater removal; the Water Key tells you about drinking water supply. A property might be on municipal water but septic sewer, or vice versa.