The Well Construction Regulations require property owners to abandon and permanently discontinue the use of their private well when a property is connected to a public water supply system. A property owner is responsible for assuring the following requirements are met once connection to a public water supply system is made.
For 4” and 6” Diameter Drilled Wells With Plastic or Steel Casing
- Contract the services of a licensed master well driller. The property owner must secure the services of a licensed master well driller and have the existing private well properly filled and sealed in accordance with State requirements. For a list of licensed master well drillers operating in Anne Arundel County, click here.
- Disconnect the piping. The property owner must secure the services of a licensed master plumber or a licensed master well driller and disconnect the piping between the private well and the dwelling. Any water treatment system devices or private well pressure tanks may be disconnected or removed at the discretion of the property owner.
For Dug Wells and Pump Pits Constructed of Concrete Rings or Cement Blocks
- Contract the services of a licensed master well driller. The property owner may secure the services of a licensed master well driller and have the existing private well properly filled and sealed in accordance with State requirements. For a list of licensed master well drillers operating in Anne Arundel County, click here.
- Fill and seal the dug well under the supervision of the Department of Health. The property owner may fill and seal the dug well under the supervision of the Department of Health by completing the following steps:
- Step 1: Notify the Department of Health of your intent to fill and seal your dug well by calling 410-222-7398.
- Step 2: Fill the dug well or pump pit with one of the following fill materials: clay, silt, sand, gravel, crushed stone or any combination of these materials.
- Step 3: Contact the Department of Health to schedule an inspection of your dug well.
- Step 4: Seal the dug well by placing a 3-foot plug on top of the fill with one of the following sealing materials: concrete, Portland cement, bentonite clay grout or any combination of these materials.
- Remove, disconnect or seal the piping. The property owner must remove or seal the piping between the dug well and the dwelling. Any water treatment system devices or private well pressure tanks may be disconnected or removed at the discretion of the property owner.
- Restrict access to open dug wells and pump pits. An open dug well or pump pit is classified as a confined space and poses a safety risk to humans and pets. The property owner is responsible for restricting access to open wells and pump pits by placing a cover material (e.g., plywood with cinder blocks) on top of the dug well or pump pit and by roping off access to the area. The open well and pump pit must be filled and sealed in accordance with the above requirements.
What if I fail to comply?
If a property owner fails to comply, this constitutes a violation of the State of Maryland Well Construction Regulations and is subject to enforcement action. Notices and civil citations may be issued for each violation and for each day the violation continues to exist.
Where can I get more information?
Sanitary Engineering Program
Anne Arundel County Department of Health
3 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
410-222-7398