Bolthole Index county-legal census · checked 2026-10-10
Septic permitting in Maryland is handled at the county level — county health departments approve systems in 20 of 24 counties.Every entry below names the approving authority for that county, cited to the authority’s own page.
Septic rules change and some cities run their own programs — treat this as a verified starting point, not legal advice. All states → Maryland water rights & wells → Full Maryland profile →
24 counties · county health departments · permit status scouted for 24
Allegany County Health Department, Environmental Health
Environmental Health – Allegany County Health Department ↗Anne Arundel County Department of Health - Sanitary Engineering Program
Wells and Septic Systems ↗Maryland Department of the Environment (Onsite Disposal Systems)
Maryland Department of the Environment Onsite Disposal Systems ↗Baltimore County Ground Water Management (Dept. of Environmental Protection and Sustainability)
Baltimore County Ground Water Management ↗Calvert County Health Department - Environmental Health Services (On-Site Sewage Disposal)
Guidelines for the Installation and Inspection of On-site Sewage Disposal Systems ↗Caroline County Health Department (Environmental Health), under MDE
Septic Systems & Sewage - Caroline County Health Department ↗Carroll County Health Department - Bureau of Environmental Health (under MDE)
Health Department Requirements When Building on Individual Wells and/or Septic Systems ↗Cecil County Land Use & Development Services, Water and Sewer Planning Division
cecilcountymd.gov ↗Charles County Department of Health, Environmental Health Division (under Maryland Department of the Environment)
On-Site Systems Division ↗Dorchester County Health Department
Perc Tests and Septic Systems - Dorchester County Health Department ↗Frederick County Health Department - Environmental Health / Well & Septic Office
Well & Septic ↗Garrett County Health Department – Environmental Health Services
Sewage Disposal Systems - Garrett County Health Department ↗Harford County Health Department, Bureau of Environmental Health (under MDE)
New Home Construction: Building with a Well and Septic System ↗Howard County Health Department, Bureau of Environmental Health (Well & Septic Program)
Well & Septic Program ↗Kent County Health Department, Environmental Health (with MDE assistance)
Kent County Health Department - Environmental Health ↗Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (on behalf of Maryland Dept. of the Environment)
Non-Conventional (Innovative and Alternative) Septic Systems ↗Prince George's County Health Department / DPIE Health
Information about the Permit Process ↗Queen Anne's County Department of Health, Environmental Health (Sewer Program)
health.maryland.gov ↗Somerset County Health Department, Environmental Health Division
Wells & Septics ↗St. Mary's County Health Department - Environmental Health Division
On-Site Septic Systems ↗Talbot County Health Department (Environmental Health)
Septic Systems & Sewage - Talbot County Health Department ↗Washington County Health Department, Environmental Health
Local Approving Authorities ↗Wicomico County Health Department, Environmental Health
Environmental Health ↗Worcester County Department of Environmental Programs
Worcester County Department of Environmental Programs - Septic System Permitting ↗Every county here has a full profile — its index score, water, land prices, and the rest of its building rules. See the Maryland state page for all counties ranked, or the national septic guide.
Off-grid gear
Before the Maryland septic office sees a parcel, you can test it yourself. What we'd bring:
These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.
General guidance, not legal advice. Off-grid, building, and land-use rules are often set at the county level and change often. Verify with your county and state before acting. Data reviewed 2026-06-26.
