The Well Certification Program certifies the potability of all residential drinking water wells, both for new construction and for the replacement of existing wells. Applications for well construction permits are accepted only from licensed well drillers.
Although it is not necessary to test well water samples regularly, the health department will collect and test a new water sample at the request of the owner. A standard sample collection fee is charged.
A staff member will assist in determining which laboratory tests are necessary. (Additional laboratory fees vary.)
For more information, please contact the health department at smchd.healthdept@maryland.gov or call 301-475-4321.
Well Permitting
Potable water supplies, monitoring, agriculture and geothermal wells are all wells that require a Maryland Licensed Well Driller to obtain a permit from the Health Department. These permits are reviewed to ensure that all information is correct and that the proposed well meets the required setbacks from property lines, structures and potential sources of contamination. Some wells require additional Special Conditions during the construction of the well due to the property location and the proximity of potential sources of contamination.