The Muskegon County Health Department maintains records for onsite water supply wells dating back to the 1950s. Individuals with questions about their well construction and water quality should contact the Environmental Health Division at (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

While no permit is 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 abaondoned well maybe the same source for drinking water utilized by the abandoned well owner's family and neighbors.

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 - Muskegon County Health Department 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 Evaulations   

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.  

Fees

Health Department Environmental Quality program fees

MDEQ Water Testing Fee Schedule

Forms

Well & Septic Construction Application
Well & Septic Construction Application Directions
Drainage System Elevation Requirements
Request for Water and/or Sewage Evaluation

Useful Information

Maps of Oil & Gas Wells

Vacant Land Evaluations

Muskegon County Sanitary Code
Information About Frost Free Yard Hydrants

For more information, please call (231) 724-6208.