Properties that are served or proposed to be served by a private onsite sewage disposal system require a perc test application.
Perc Tests applications can be submitted to the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. More information on the application process can be found on their website:
Please contact the Sanitary Engineering Program 410-222-7193 for more information.
2024 Wet Season Perc TestingThe Anne Arundel County Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental Health, will start annual wet season site evaluations and percolation tests on January 29, 2024. 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 applications for mound sewage disposal systems must be received by March 1, 2024, and tested by March 15, 2024. All other applications for testing must be received and scheduled by March 29, 2024, in order to guarantee testing. 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 on-line or download copies of the application at:
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. If water levels fall quickly, wet season testing could be ended prior to the normal closing date of April 30.
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
