WELL PERMIT

Well permits are required for the installation or replacement of individual wells. They are required to assure construction consistent with regulations for the safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from unsanitary and unhealthy drinking water and to assure an adequate supply of water.

WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED AND WHY

• For all new construction where potable water is required and public water is not available. Wells must be drilled prior to building permit approval to be sure that an adequate and reliable water supply is available.
• For alteration to existing buildings to determine if the capacity of the existing well is adequate.
• For any major repair or replacement to an existing well.

HOW TO APPLY AND WHAT TO EXPECT

Applications for well permits may be made only by a licensed well driller and must be accompanied by a location plan. The Health Department will review your application and plans for compliance with State regulations. The well drilling permit will be issued by the Health Department only to the licensed well driller.

Industrial/commercial water users are required to obtain a Groundwater Appropriation Permit (GWAP) from the Maryland Department of the Environment(MDE) prior to well permit issuance. The GWAP application can be obtained from the Well and Septic Program by calling 410-313-1771. When the application is completed, return to the Health Department for local approval and forwarding to the Maryland Department of the Environment.

PROCESSING TIME

Except where there is an unusual condition, the well permit is generally issued within 15 working days of the time the application is made for the permit.

THE INSPECTION AND APPROVAL PROCESS

Before and during construction of the well, inspections are made by Health Department sanitarians to approve the location and to verify proper grouting and critical yield testing procedures. The driller is required to submit a well completion report within 45 days of completion. This data is compared to the inspection results.

After construction of the well and prior to use and occupancy, water samples must be submitted to a certified water testing laboratory to verify that the water is safe. Once these test results are reported to the Well and Septic Program, a Certificate of Potability is issued to the owner with a copy of the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits as part of the use and occupancy approval process.

DURATION OF APPROVAL

Well permits are valid for one year after approval, with the ability to be extended up to one additional year.

WHO TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE:

• Bureau of Environmental Health
  410-313-1771
• Fax 410-313-2648
• TTY 410-313-2323