Wells, septic, and what to check before you buy in Alpena County

In the city of Alpena, most homes are on municipal water and sewer. But out in Alpena County’s townships, and especially on the lakes and rivers, a great many homes run on a private well for drinking water and a septic system for waste. It’s a normal part of life up here, but it changes the homework you do before you buy.

Here’s the Michigan wrinkle: Michigan is the only state in the country with no statewide septic code. The rules are set locally, and in this part of the state they’re handled by District Health Department No. 4, which covers Alpena along with Cheboygan, Montmorency, and Presque Isle counties. The district issues the permits for new and replacement wells and septic systems and keeps the records on file.

Alpena County does not require an automatic septic inspection when a house is sold, so it’s buyer beware. Before you sign, it’s smart to hire someone to find and inspect the septic tank and drainfield, test the well water, and make sure the system is sized for the house. A few hundred dollars up front can save you from a very expensive surprise down the road. The district health department can tell you what’s on record for a given property.