Annapolis, MD (April 16, 2025) – The Anne Arundel County Department of Health Bureau of Environmental Health will start annual wet season site evaluations and percolation tests on April 16, 2025. Wet season testing is arranged on a first-come, first serve basis. Appointments for wet season testing are being accepted and applicants are encouraged to submit wet season applications as early as possible so that each site may be properly evaluated for sewage disposal systems.
Wet season testing for mound sewage disposal systems will not take place in 2025 due to the lower than normal water levels experienced this year.
Applications for other testing must be received by April 18, 2025 in order to be considered for testing this year.
To apply for percolation tests, contact the Bureau of Environmental Health of the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at 410-222-7193 or you may apply online or download copies of the application at: https://www.aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits/permits/septic-system-permits/residentialcommercial-perc-test.
The wet season test period is set for Anne Arundel County by using data from a network of monitoring wells to determine groundwater levels. Properties located in areas with certain soils and high-water tables require testing during this season of the year. The highest water table is usually experienced during the months of February, March and April.
The historical end of wet season testing occurs on April 30. The network of Monitoring Wells will continue to be evaluated to determine if testing will end prior to that date.
Wet season testing helps avoid inaccurately assessing the ability of the septic system to work in all seasons of the year. The information provided by the site evaluation and perc testing is used to determine the size and type of septic system that can be installed on a specific lot. Factors such as slopes or adjacent wells can reduce the space available for a septic system. In addition, adequate land must be set aside for at least two future replacement systems. Depending on the results of the evaluation, this may mean reducing the size of the house and the size of the septic system to meet requirements. In some cases, because of adverse soil or groundwater conditions, a property may only be developed when public sewer is available.
For more information, call 410-222-7193.