Coldwater 517-279-9561

Hillsdale 517-437-7395

Three Rivers 269-273-2161

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Water Wells and Water Testing


Private Water Supply (Well) Permit

Required permit for installation of on-site water supply (well) systems. Permit fee must be paid at time of application. Application is available below or at each county office.  For more information call the following:

  • Branch County: 517-279-9561 ext. 106

  • Hillsdale County: 517-437-7395 ext. 311

  • St. Joseph County: 269-273-2161 ext. 233

Residential Well/Septic Permit
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Commercial/Multi-Family Well/Septic Permit
Click Here

Fee Schedule
Click Here

Be Well Informed tool

This tool is a resource for private well owners to help them understand their water well sample results. Well owners input the results from their laboratory report and the concentration is compared to Michigan drinking water criteria. Links to compound specific information about potential risks and typical treatment methods is included if available.
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Well Water Testing and Interpreting Your Results

Program to evaluate drinking water quality through laboratory analysis to detect chemical and/or bacteriological contamination. Sample collection kits available at each county office. If you are interested in testing your well water for compounds other than coliform bacteria and the partial chemical screening test, please contact the Environmental Health office in your county to discuss what is available.

Tests are available for:

  • Coliform and Nitrates

  • Arsenic

  • Lead

  • Metals

  • Volatile Organic Compounds

The testing fees vary for these water tests and sampling containers may need to be ordered.