Well and septic in Grand Traverse County

Around 25,000 homes in Grand Traverse County run on septic. Outside Traverse City and the villages, most of the place is on private wells too. If you’re buying in one of the townships, the rules here just changed. That’s a shift they haven’t seen in most of Michigan.

Michigan has no single statewide code for residential septic systems, 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 before you sell or transfer certain homes. It also requires approval from the health department. This applies to a home that sits within about 300 feet of a lake, stream, river, or other surface water. The exception: a home 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. Check where the drainfield sits, the well depth, and the water quality. See whether there’s room for a replacement drainfield too. 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.)