Well Permit & Inspection Process
A Well permit is required to ensure any well drilled in Montgomery County meets all current County and State standards relative to minimum setbacks associated with the protection of the health of all residents and the environment.
🆕 Please note that the following condition will be effective regarding building permit applications received on or after July 1, 2024:
When a Well permit is required to replace or relocate an existing well to obtain approval of a building permit application, the well must be drilled and any conditions of the Well permit met, prior to approval and issuance of the building permit. This applies to building permits for additions/alternations only, not new construction.
Maryland Safe Drinking Water Study
Appeal Rights for Permit Denials
A Homeowner's Guide to Well Water
Guia Para El Mantenimiento De Los Pozos de Agua de Viviendas Particulares
Onsite Well and Septic Systems Management Program
A Well Permit must be obtained prior to drilling a well for any purpose, including to provide potable drinking water; water for irrigation or agricultural purposes; monitoring and testing; geothermal systems; and dewatering.
A State Drilling Permit is also required. State Drilling Permit applications must be submitted by the licensed well driller directly to the Department of Permitting Services for review and approval.
A Well Permit is valid for twelve (12) months from the date of issuance.
A Well Permit may be extended in six (6) months increments upon request by the well driller. No permit extension fee is required.
Well Permits are generally issued within two weeks of submission of a complete application package, provided the property is eligible for permit issuance. Permit processing time may vary due to workload factors and project complexity. Permits for replacement drinking water wells are processed as soon as possible.