LA PLATA, Md. – The Charles County Department of Health will begin wet season perc testing in all areas of the County on January 7, 2019. The Department’s Environmental Health Division staff conducts perc tests which are needed for the approval and construction of residential and commercial septic systems. The Code of Maryland Regulations requires that perc testing occurs during the wet season to protect groundwater quality.
Previously submitted perc test applications are being scheduled first in the order they were received. Applications for new perc test requests should be submitted and can be obtained at the Department of Health or downloaded from the Department’s website at http://www.charlescountyhealth.org/environmental-health/ground-percolation-information/
Perc testing will be scheduled using a four (4) feet buffer for all deep perc tests and a two (2) feet buffer for sand mound testing. The buffer could be updated if conditions change. Groundwater conditions will be periodically evaluated. If you need to reschedule your appointment, there is no guarantee that an appointment can be rescheduled before the end of the wet season.
Private consultants, approved by the Department, may be used for perc testing. A list of these consultants is available on the website, or by contacting our office.
For more information, please contact the Charles County Department of Health’s Environmental Health Division at 301-609-6751.