Michigan county well guide

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

About 8,788 households in Roscommon County, 92% of the county, rely on a private well. Nobody tests that water unless the owner does.

Labs within 40 milesLicensed contractors
92%of households on a private well
Share on wells, county vs state
Roscommon County92%
Michigan average26%
7licensed contractors serve the county
9 mito the nearest certified lab, Raven Analytical Laboratory
Nostatewide test required when a home is sold

In Roscommon County, roughly 92% of households, about 8,788 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 Roscommon County

In Roscommon 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 Roscommon County

The nearest certified lab is Raven Analytical Laboratory in Roscommon, in the county. There is one more within 40 miles, listed below with what each tests for.

2 certified labs within 40 miles

Licensed well contractors serving Roscommon County

Licensed help in Roscommon County includes Charles McPherson and Dans Pump and Well Repair and 4 others. Every listing was matched to the Michigan license list; the “verify” link on each profile opens the state lookup.

Well depth and water chemistry

Well depth and water chemistry in Roscommon 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: Crawford County, Missaukee County, Ogemaw County, Gladwin County.

What well work costs in Roscommon 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 Roscommon County well owners ask

How many homes in Roscommon County are on a well?

About 8,788, or 92% 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 Roscommon County?

Raven Analytical Laboratory in Roscommon, inside the county. Call first to ask whether they accept homeowner samples.

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