Michigan county well guide

Well Water in Houghton County, MI: Testing, Contractors and Rules

About 3,003 households in Houghton County, 21% of the county, rely on a private well. Nobody tests that water unless the owner does.

Labs within 40 milesLicensed contractors
21%of households on a private well
Share on wells, county vs state
Houghton County21%
Michigan average26%
3licensed contractors serve the county
2 mito the nearest certified lab, Western Upper Peninsula Health Department
Nostatewide test required when a home is sold

Houghton County has an estimated 3,003 households on private wells, 21% of the county. If you are one of them, testing, treatment and repairs are yours to arrange.

Local rules for wells in Houghton County

Michigan’s well construction code applies in Houghton County, which means a permit from the local health department, an inspection, and a bacteria sample before use. Selling a home with a well may trigger a county point-of-sale program; the health department can confirm.

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 Houghton County

2 certified labs within 40 miles serve Houghton County, starting with Isle Royale National Park in Houghton (in the county). Each card below shows whether the lab takes homeowner samples and which tests it is certified for.

2 certified labs within 40 miles

Licensed well contractors serving Houghton County

3 licensed contractors serve Houghton County, including Keranen Well Service, Inc. and Siirtola Well Drilling. Each profile carries the state license number and the date we checked it, and the filters below sort them by drilling, pump work or treatment.

Well depth and water chemistry

What comes up with the water depends on the aquifer. A first full panel tells you which of them apply to your well.

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: Keweenaw County, Baraga County, Ontonagon County, Marquette County.

What well work costs in Houghton 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 Houghton County well owners ask

How many homes in Houghton County are on a well?

About 3,003, or 21% 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 Houghton County?

Isle Royale National Park in Houghton, inside the county. Call first to ask whether they accept homeowner samples.

Do I need a permit to drill a well in Houghton 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 Houghton 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.