Western Upper Peninsula Health Department
MI certified
Homeowner samples ยท Walk-in
- Coliform Bacteria
- Nitrate / Nitrite
Michigan county well guide
Well Water in Keweenaw County, MI: Testing, Contractors and Rules
About 708 households in Keweenaw County, 82% of the county, rely on a private well. Nobody tests that water unless the owner does.
of households on a private well
Share on wells, county vs state
0licensed contractors serve the county
20 mito the nearest certified lab, Western Upper Peninsula Health Department
Nostatewide test required when a home is sold
In Keweenaw County, roughly 82% of households, about 708 homes, draw their water from a private well. Nobody tests it, treats it or inspects it unless the owner does.
Local rules for wells in Keweenaw County
In Keweenaw County the local health department issues the well permit, inspects construction and requires a water sample before a new well goes into service, as Michigan’s well code requires. Ask the same office whether the county runs a time-of-sale evaluation program, since several Michigan counties do.
At a glance
Water test for a new wellRequired
Michigan requires new wells to be tested at installation under the well construction code (Part 127 of the Public Health Code). Local health departments issue the permit and require the sample.
Water test when a home is soldNot required statewide
No statewide requirement, but several counties run time-of-sale or point-of-sale well and septic evaluation programs. Check the county page.
What the state recommends
EGLE recommends testing for coliform bacteria, nitrate and nitrite, fluoride, chloride, sulfate, sodium, hardness, and metals including arsenic, lead, iron, manganese, copper, uranium and others. Bacteria and nitrate yearly; a full chemistry panel every few years or when water changes.
Free or low-cost testingAvailable
Eight county health departments run their own onsite labs (Washtenaw, Oakland, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Luce, Mackinac, Alger, Schoolcraft). Residents elsewhere can order a mail-in test through the EGLE Drinking Water Laboratory.
Getting your water tested near Keweenaw County
The nearest certified lab is Isle Royale National Park in Houghton, about 18 miles from the county center. There is one more within 40 miles, listed below with what each tests for.
2 certified labs within 40 miles
Isle Royale National Park
MI certified
- Coliform Bacteria
Licensed well contractors serving Keweenaw County
No licensed contractor lists Keweenaw County as a home base or service area yet. The finder below searches the whole state; most drillers travel several counties for a job.
No listings yet for this area. Try widening your search.
Well depth and water chemistry
Well depth and water chemistry in Keweenaw County follow the rock underneath it. Depth varies across the county; the state well record search shows logs for nearby wells.
Typical well depth
Varies by location. Check the state well record search for logs of nearby wells.
Contaminants to test for
- Arsenic (southeast and thumb region)
- Nitrate (agricultural areas)
- Iron
- Manganese
- Hardness
- Coliform bacteria
- PFAS near known sites
Neighboring counties: Houghton County, Baraga County, Ontonagon County, Marquette County.
What well work costs in Keweenaw County
Basic bacteria and nitrate test$25 to $75lab fee, homeowner sample
Full panel lab test$150 to $400metals, VOCs, radiologicals
Well inspection$250 to $550flow, pressure, visual, water test
Submersible pump replacement$1,200 to $4,500parts and labor
Pressure tank replacement$400 to $1,200installed
Whole-house treatment system$800 to $6,000softener, iron filter, UV, RO
New well drilled$5,500 to $25,000about $25 to $65 per foot
Shock chlorination$80 to $300or about $20 as a DIY job
National ranges from published 2025 to 2026 contractor pricing. Local quotes vary with depth, access and materials.
Questions Keweenaw County well owners ask
How many homes in Keweenaw County are on a well?
About 708, or 82% of households, based on Census housing data and state well surveys. The share is highest outside the towns with public water.
Where is the closest certified lab to Keweenaw County?
Isle Royale National Park in Houghton, about 18 miles away. Call first to ask whether they accept homeowner samples.
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Keweenaw County?
Yes. The local health department issues the permit and inspects the well under the Michigan well construction code.
What does a well test cost near Keweenaw County?
A bacteria and nitrate test runs $25 to $75 at most certified labs; a full panel with metals is $150 to $400. Mail-in kits cost about the same as walking in.