Maryland Private Well Guide

When Do You Need a Private Well?

A private well is used when a home is outside a public water service area or cannot tie into municipal supply (COMAR 26.04.04.04).

In Maryland, new well sites must comply with the county's Master Water/Sewer Plan, so wells are generally drilled only in rural/unserved zones. If public water is available (as designated in the local plan), connecting to the municipal system is required instead of drilling a well.

Well Drilling Costs in Maryland

A complete private well system in Maryland typically costs $5,000–$16,000, depending on depth and geology.

Drilling costs average ~$25–$65 per foot, with the pump adding $900–$2,500 depending on depth.

Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water

Expect 4–8 weeks from your first call to potable water, depending on permitting and scheduling.

Montgomery County notes well permits are "generally issued within two weeks" once a complete application is submitted. Drilling itself is rapid (1-3 days), but lab turnaround and final approvals add time.

Permits & Process

Step-by-Step Process

1. Hire a Licensed Driller: Engage a state-licensed Master Well Driller (COMAR 26.04.04.05(B))
2. Site Evaluation: Driller surveys the lot for setback compliance (e.g. 100 ft from septic fields in unconfined aquifers)
3. Permit Application: Licensed driller submits well construction permit to local Approving Authority (usually county Health or Permitting Dept). Homeowner provides site data and pays fees.
4. Permit Review: Authority checks compliance and approves permit, issuing a 12-month approval
5. Drill the Well: Driller installs borehole, casing, screen, and seals with grout. MDE well identification tag attached above ground
6. Well Development & Disinfection: Well is developed (pumped) and chlorinated
7. Completion Report: Driller files Well Completion Report with Approving Authority
8. Water Testing & COP: Water sample collected and submitted to state-certified lab. After testing confirms safety, county issues Certificate of Potability (COP). Drinking water allowed only after COP is obtained.

Who Obtains Permits?

Water Quality

Required Testing

Maryland requires that private drinking wells be certified safe before use. Key tests include total coliform bacteria and nitrate as a baseline safety check. All testing must be done by a state-certified laboratory. After drilling, the well must pass lab analysis to obtain the COP.

MDE recommends annual testing (at least coliform and nitrate, plus TDS and pH) or whenever water quality changes.

Common Maryland Geologic Issues

Studies found ~4% of wells on the Lower Eastern Shore above the EPA 10 mg/L nitrate standard from agriculture. Elevated arsenic is well documented in the Aquia and Piney Point aquifers in Southern Maryland and Delmarva.

Treatment Options

Solutions are tailored to the contaminant. Water softeners typically cost $1,000–$3,000.

Maintenance & Problems

Routine Maintenance

• Test well water annually for total coliform and nitrates (and after system changes)
• Visually inspect the wellhead regularly: ensure casing and sanitary cap are intact and surface runoff drains away
• Check pressure tank (should hold ~20–40 psi air charge)
• Service pump systems per manufacturer guidance (typically every few years)
• Keep Well Completion Report in a safe place
• If treatment devices installed (filters, softeners), follow maintenance schedule

Warning Signs of Trouble

DIY vs. Professional

Simple tasks can be DIY (e.g. routine water sampling, replacing filter cartridges, maintaining tank pressure, chlorinating the well). However, always call a licensed well professional for major work: any new drilling, pump replacement, well rehabilitation, or if contamination is suspected.

Find a Licensed Driller

Maryland law requires a licensed Master Well Driller for all well drilling work.

How to Verify a Driller

1. The Maryland Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators Board – Board of Well Drillers lists all licensed well drilling firms
2. Consult MDE's "State Board of Well Drillers" roster or Maryland One Stop license portal
3. Always verify a driller's state license before contracting
4. Get 2-3 written quotes
5. Ask for references from recent jobs

Resources & Contacts

County Approving Authorities

Local health or permitting offices issue permits and inspect wells. See MDE's list of local approving authorities for contacts.

State-Certified Testing Labs

Testing must be done by MDE-certified labs. The Maryland Laboratory Certification Program publishes a directory of certified drinking water labs.

Key Regulatory References

• COMAR 26.04.04.05(B) – Licensed driller requirements
• COMAR 26.04.04.04(B) – Minimum distance criteria for well siting
• MDE "Be Well Wise" brochure

Frequently Asked Questions