Western UP Health Department

Leading The Community Toward Better Health

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A groundwater drilling machine installed on an old truck performs well drilling on a private site.

A site evaluation is the first step in determining if a parcel of land without access to municipal water supply can be considered for a drinking water well.  After a Request for Service Application has been made for an evaluation, a sanitarian will visit the proposed site to determine if the conditions on the site meet the requirements of the U.P. Environmental Health Code and the Michigan Well Code.

Issues considered and examined during the evaluation include:

  • Soil type and permeability
  • Depth to seasonal high water table
  • Slope
  • Horizontal separation distance from wells, surface waters, property lines
  • Amount of suitable area available
  • Area hydrogeology
  • Runoff patterns
  • Proposed land use
  • Easements, right-of-ways, & building setbacks
  • Location of buried utilities and other site improvements
  • Existing development on adjacent lots

To initiate a site evaluation, please complete our:

2024 Request for Service Application

Additional resources related to new well construction include:

Water Supply Program Fee Schedule

U.P. Environmental Health Code

Michigan Well Code Administrative Rules

Guidance Manual – Drinking Water Program

Water Well Resources & Water Well Service Near Me

Do you know a family in need of a water well? Please click below:

Water Wells for Families in Need