Lake levels and building near the water

Tuscola isn’t really a lake county, but it has a couple of lakes with a twist worth knowing. Murphy Lake (northeast of Millington, on the line between Millington and Watertown townships) and Shay Lake (up near Silverwood in Dayton Township) both have a legal, set water level that the county keeps steady with a control structure. That’s good for boating and for property values — but the cost of maintaining the level and the structure can be charged back to the lakefront owners who benefit, through a special assessment. If you’re buying on one of these lakes, ask what the lake-level assessment runs.

One more thing if you’re building or adding on near any water in the county: Tuscola has a lot of county drains, and there are rules about building too close to a lake, stream, or drain. Before you put up a structure near the water, check with the county Drain Commissioner’s office about any drain easement or right-of-way on your parcel. It’s a quick call that can save a real headache later.