Somerset County Ends Wet Season Land Evaluations Early

Somerset County, MD - The Somerset County Health Department has suspended wet season land evaluations for the remainder of this year. Dry conditions caused groundwater levels to drop below the threshold required to continue testing.

Wet season is determined by tracking groundwater levels through a network of monitoring wells across the county. When those levels fall too low, testing cannot move forward. That is exactly what happened this year.

Land evaluations are an important step for property owners. They determine whether a property is suitable for on-site sewage disposal, which is required before certain types of development or construction can proceed.

Homeowners and developers who already submitted applications will not be left waiting without answers. The Health Department will review each application to see if testing can continue outside of the wet season. That decision depends on the type of soil on the property and which management area the property falls in.

Some properties may qualify for continued testing right away. Those property owners may be asked to provide a backhoe to assist with the process.

Properties that do not qualify will receive a letter from the Health Department. Their application will be held over until next wet season at no additional cost.

Wet season in Somerset County typically begins in January. Property owners can still submit new applications throughout the rest of the year, but those applications may also be held until wet season returns.

Anyone with questions can contact the Somerset County Health Department's Environmental Health Division at 443-523-1700.