Shallow water, deeper choices
Older Shore homes often have shallow wells in the Columbia aquifer, the sandy layer right under the fields. Newer wells usually go deeper into confined aquifers. The Maryland Geological Survey describes the Calvert aquifer system as an important supply in Dorchester, Caroline and Talbot counties, and the Aquia is used across Queen Anne’s and Talbot.
Nitrate, iron and salt
Shallow wells are the most exposed to what happens on the surface. A USGS study of more than 600 Columbia aquifer wells on the central Delmarva found about 15 percent above the 10 mg/L nitrate standard. Iron is common in Shore water, and near tidal water, salt can be a concern in some aquifers. Nitrate matters most for infants: if you have a baby in the house, test.
Typical calls
Pump and tank work on farmhouse and waterfront wells, iron filters, sediment filters and testing for buyers, including second homes that sit unused for months.
Permits and rules
Wells on the Mid-Shore are permitted by each county’s health department (Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester). The statewide sale-testing law applies here too. Low-lying wells can be flooded by storm tides; after any flood, don’t drink the water until it has been tested.
140 ftQuestions from the Shore
Local answers.
Should I worry about nitrate in my Eastern Shore well?
If it’s a shallow well near fields, test for it. USGS found about 15 percent of sampled Columbia aquifer wells on the central Delmarva over the 10 mg/L standard. Nitrate is especially risky for infants; use bottled water for formula until you know your number.
My well went under water in a storm tide. Is it safe?
Don’t drink it until it has been tested. Floodwater can carry bacteria into the well. Use bottled water, follow your county health department’s guidance, and have the well disinfected and retested.
Do you come out to the Shore?
Yes. Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester are all on Piedmont Well Service’s service area. Call (240) 924-8081.