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

In the city of Cheboygan you’ll mostly find municipal water and sewer. But across Cheboygan County’s townships, and especially along the lakes and the Inland Waterway, a great many homes rely 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 Cheboygan along with Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle counties. The district issues the permits for new and replacement wells and septic systems and keeps the records on file.

Some Michigan communities require a septic inspection whenever a house is sold, but Cheboygan County is not one of them, so here 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. The district health department can tell you what’s on record for a property.