Water Wells

The Environmental Health program maintains records for onsite water supply wells dating back to the 1950s. Individuals with questions about their well construction and water quality should call (231) 724-6208.

Muskegon County has had minimum installation standards in place for onsite well water supplies since 1956. Improperly located and/or constructed supplies are known to cause disease outbreaks and are at high risk for contamination.

A permit is required for new drinking water well installation and major repairs to existing wells. No permit is required for irrigation well installation, however the irrigation well construction must still meet state regulations, including submission of a well construction log to this department.

Irrigation Wells

Effective April 2010, a permit is now required for installation of an irrigation well, there are areas of the county where the ground water is contaminated, and installation of an irrigation well is not legal - and may endanger the users of the well. Contact this department for minimum well construction standards, and to ensure that irrigation well use is allowed in your area.

Unused or Abandoned Wells

Wells that are no longer used must be properly plugged per state groundwater protection regulations. Plugging materials include bentonite clay and cement. An open or improperly plugged well, even one that is 'capped' provides a direct route for surface contamination to impact the ground water aquifer. The ground water in Michigan is a valuable resource. Owners of abandoned wells leading to contamination of the groundwater have been found legally responsible for cleanup of the groundwater contamination. The groundwater at risk of contamination from an abandoned well maybe the same source for drinking water utilized by the abandoned well owner's family and neighbors.

For additional information on abandoned wells, please click here to visit the Michigan Department of Environmental (MDEQ) website.

Public Water Well Supplies

Community Water Supplies - The MDEQ regulates Community Water Supplies. They include mobile home parks and cities that provide well water to their residents.

Noncommunity Water Well Supplies - Public Health - Muskegon County regulates the well water supplies utilized by small businesses in Muskegon County, including: schools, restaurants, hotels, factories, etc. Contact this department for information on operator certification, monitoring and permitting.

Existing well supply evaluations are available for a nominal fee. The evaluation is desirable for prospective buyers of property utilizing onsite sewage disposal systems to ensure the system is in good working order. An existing system evaluation includes evaluation of the well and supply construction for age and to insure the materials are acceptable for contact with potable water (drinking water). The capacity of the supply will be evaluated, and bacteriological and partial chemical samples collected for analysis by the State of Michigan Environmental Laboratory.

Vacant Land Evaluations

Vacant land evaluations are available for a nominal fee. There are areas of the county where it is not possible to obtain a safe drinking water supply. New construction is not permitted in these areas. A sanitarian will evaluate departmental and state records for known contamination, poor water quality, limited water quantity and areas where attempts to install legal wells have not been successful.

Water Supply Maps

This map shows wells in Muskegon County that have nitrate greater than 10 ppm, which exceeds the EPA safe drinking water standard for nitrate.

This map shows wells in Muskegon County that have sulfate greater than 30 ppm. Levels in excess of 30 ppm are more likely to have hydrogen sulfide production occurring in the well and household plumbing. While hydrogen sulfide levels do not present a health risk, supply users may notice objectionable odor. Hydrogen sulfide can be readily removed with commercially available treatment systems.

This map shows wells in Muskegon County that have iron greater than .2 ppm. Water supply users with iron levels greater than .2 ppm may notice yellow to orange staining of fixtures and laundry. Levels above .5 ppm generally result in turbidity, excessive staining and objectionable taste and odor. Whole house treatment at very high levels (>.5 ppm) can be difficult. Iron does not present a health risk.