Great Lakes Water Quality Laboratory, Inc.
MI certified
- Coliform Bacteria
- Nitrate / Nitrite
Michigan county well guide
Well Water in Benzie County, MI: Testing, Contractors and Rules
About 5,477 households in Benzie County, 78% 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
2licensed contractors serve the county
9 mito the nearest certified lab, Great Lakes Water Quality Laboratory, Inc.
Nostatewide test required when a home is sold
In Benzie County, roughly 78% of households, about 5,477 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 Benzie County
In Benzie 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 Benzie County
The nearest certified lab is Great Lakes Water Quality Laboratory, Inc. in Lake Ann, in the county. There are 3 more within 40 miles, listed below with what each tests for.
4 certified labs within 40 miles
SOS Analytical, Inc.
MI certified
- Arsenic
- Coliform Bacteria
- Full Homeowner Panel
- Iron and Manganese
- Lead
- Nitrate / Nitrite
- Uranium
- Volatile Organic Compounds
Turquoise Environmental
MI certified
- PFAS
Grand Traverse Analytical, LLC
MI certified
- Arsenic
- Coliform Bacteria
- Lead
- Nitrate / Nitrite
Licensed well contractors serving Benzie County
Licensed help in Benzie County includes J R Harris Well Drilling and Shoebridge/Demerly. Every listing was matched to the Michigan license list; the “verify” link on each profile opens the state lookup.
2 licensed contractors
J R Harris Well Drilling
Verified license
License 10-1894 Active
- Well Drilling
Shoebridge/Demerly
Verified license
License 10-2537 Active
- Well Drilling
Well depth and water chemistry
Well depth and water chemistry in Benzie 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: Grand Traverse County, Leelanau County, Manistee County, Wexford County.
What well work costs in Benzie 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 Benzie County well owners ask
How many homes in Benzie County are on a well?
About 5,477, or 78% 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 Benzie County?
Great Lakes Water Quality Laboratory, Inc. in Lake Ann, inside the county. Call first to ask whether they accept homeowner samples.
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Benzie 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 Benzie 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.