Wells and septic in the townships

Out in the townships, almost every home runs on its own private well and septic system. There’s no city water and sewer. In Presque Isle County, both are handled by District Health Department No. 4. That’s the same health department that covers Alpena, Cheboygan, and Montmorency counties. It has a local office right in Rogers City. Say you want to put in a new system or replace an old one. First the health department checks the site with a soil test (a “perc” test). That’s to be sure the ground drains well. Then it issues the permit for the septic system and the well.

Here’s something many buyers don’t realize. Michigan has no single statewide code for residential septic systems. So the rules are set locally. Some Michigan communities require a septic inspection every time a house is sold. Presque Isle County has no such rule countywide. But check the township. Presque Isle Township adopted a Septic/Well Inspection and Property Transfer Ordinance that took effect in November 2025. So a sale there can trigger a required well and septic evaluation. In the townships without a rule, it’s buyer beware. Say you’re buying a place on a well and septic. It’s smart to pay for your own inspection before you close. Have someone check the tank, the drainfield, and the well. A tired drainfield or an old, shallow well can be costly to replace. You’ll want to know before the keys change hands. You can find permit forms and contact information at dhd4.org.