Well Mapping Project

The Bureau of Environmental Health of the Howard County Health Department is currently in the process of mapping all of the new and existing drinking water wells within the County. This survey project was initiated in the summer of 2006, as part of our ongoing efforts to improve our ability to protect groundwater sources and the public's health. We anticipate that this project will take 4 to 5 years to complete.

Locating your well with a Global Positioning System (GPS)

In order to locate each of the private wells, staff from the Health Department will visit each of the approximately 13,000 properties in Howard County to precisely record the well location using a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. A GPS unit is small electronic device that communicates with satellites orbiting the earth, which then identify where the device is located and return coordinates. This is the same technology that helps pinpoint your location and displays it in navigation systems now found in many new cars. For more detailed information about how GPS works, you can visit Trimble’s website found at the following link: Trimble GPS Tutorial

The GPS units used by the Health Department are able to provide coordinates for any location in Howard County to within 12 inches. The process of obtaining the coordinates typically takes between 3 to 5 minutes, and is similar to a “meter reader” sent by your utility company.

Using information about your well with a Geographic Information System (GIS)

After the coordinates for the well have been obtained, they will be entered into a Geographic Information System (GIS) database. This GIS database will allow the Health Department to quickly and precisely identify groundwater wells that could be impacted by construction activities, septic system installations, contamination incidents such as spills, etc. The GIS system will be able to produce detailed, accurate maps which show the location of all the drinking water wells in Howard County. Ultimately, this GIS-enhanced ability will help the Health Department provide improved service and protect all County residents who derive their drinking water from a private well.

Updates and additional information about the well mapping project

An informational notice is mailed prior to the Department’s visit to each home in Howard County that Health Department records indicate are being served by a private drinking water well. The purpose of the letter is to advise homeowners about the survey project and what to expect during the survey. You may download a copy of this letter by clicking this link: Letter to Howard County Residents about Well Mapping Project.

Please visit this site to check on the progress of the survey, or to obtain up-to-date information concerning the project. We will post the areas in the County where the project is currently collecting data on drinking water wells, as well as the future schedule for other areas in the County.

Current Status:

Generally, properties in the tan shaded area do not have private drinking water wells. If you are in this area, and using a private well for your water supply, please contact us so that we may include you in this project. As of January 2007, approximately 200 wells have been GPS located.

This map displays the area where properties are being surveyed.

Who to contact about the well mapping project?

You may reach the Bureau of Environmental Health for any questions you may have about this project by calling 410-313-1787.

You may also use the following form to send an e-mail to our Department. A representative will contact you as soon as possible.

This form may be used to provide or decline permission to enter your property for this project. You may also use this form to submit questions or comments regarding the project. To receive a response you must provide either a phone number or e-mail address. When you complete the form use the SUBMIT button below to send your comments to us.