Well & Septic Program

Wet Season Testing 2026

The Howard County Health Department has determined that water table levels have reached a sufficient level to open 2026 wet season percolation testing on March 16th, 2026. While the levels have reached levels that allow testing to occur, there is no way to predict how long wet season conditions will remain. Testing is being scheduled through March 23, 2026, and the network of monitoring wells will be monitored weekly to determine if wet season may be extended and to determine if an extended buffer is required.

Note: HCHD will be reaching out to applicants to schedule testing for applications already received before scheduling new applications. New applications need to be submitted immediately for the best chance of scheduling site evaluation this wet season. Please call 410-313-1771 with any questions.

Guidance Documents from Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) 

MDE recently provided the local Health Departments with guidance documents regarding record plats, the appeals process and other items related to the onsite well and sewage disposal system regulations. Please see the new dropdown category below titled “MDE Guidance Documents” for details. Additional documents will be added to the list as they are received and updated.

NOTE: One of the documents includes new language required for record plat signatures that will be implemented immediately on all record plats for signature.