Well and septic in Grand Traverse County

Outside Traverse City and the villages, much of Grand Traverse County is on private wells and septic systems — around 25,000 homes in the county use septic. If you’re buying in one of the townships, this matters more here than in many places, because the rules recently changed.

Michigan is the only state without a statewide septic code, so the rules are set locally. The Grand Traverse County Health Department issues well and septic permits. As of 2026, the county requires a septic and well inspection — and approval from the health department — before you sell or transfer a home that sits within about 300 feet of a lake, stream, river, or other surface water, unless it was already inspected in the last three years. Farther from the water, an inspection isn’t required by the county, but it’s still a smart thing to make your offer depend on. A few townships go further: Long Lake Township, for example, has its own inspection rule, and several townships check well and septic records before approving short-term rentals.

On a rural or waterfront property, look at the age and type of the septic system, where the drainfield sits, the well depth and water quality, and whether there’s room for a replacement drainfield — replacing a failed system can run many thousands of dollars. A passing soil test (a “perc test”) is part of building on a vacant lot. (The state has also been weighing a law that would require regular septic inspections everywhere; if it passes, expect tighter rules.)