Well Water Resources for Michigan

Testing labs, treatment options, costs, and government resources for private well owners.

Water Testing

For detailed testing information — labs, costs, free options, and what to test for — see our complete testing guide.

Treatment Options and Costs

What you'll actually pay for common treatment systems in Michigan:

System	Equipment Cost	Installation	Notes
Water softener	$1,000-$2,500		Ion exchange. Addresses hardness only. Standard equipment for most Michigan wells.
Iron filter (oxidation)	$800-$2,500		Birm, greensand, or air injection. Often combined with softener.
Point-of-use RO (kitchen sink)	$239-$600	$150-$700	Treats one tap. Effective for arsenic, PFAS, nitrates, and most contaminants.
Whole-house RO	$4,500-$20,000+		Treats all water. High maintenance. For severe contamination.
UV disinfection	$350-$1,500	$200-$600	Whole-house bacteria treatment. Annual bulb replacement.
GAC filter (PFAS)	$1,000-$3,000		Granular activated carbon. Good for PFAS, some VOCs. Ongoing filter replacement.
Aeration system (H2S)	$1,500-$3,500		Removes hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell). Common in NE Michigan.

Always test before you buy. Know what's in your water, at what concentrations, and then match the treatment to the problem. A salesperson who recommends a system without your test results is not working in your interest.

Government Resources

Michigan EGLE Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Oversees well construction, water quality, and maintains the Wellogic well database. Start here for state-level resources.
Michigan PFAS Action Response Team Coordinates statewide PFAS investigation and response. Free testing near known sites. Call 800-662-9278.
Your County Health Department Environmental health divisions handle well permits, testing guidance, and local water quality concerns. Find yours at michigan.gov/mdhhs.
Michigan DHHS Department of Health and Human Services. Provides health-based guidance on well water contaminants, including PFAS exposure.
USDA Rural Development - Michigan Grants and loans for rural water systems. Individual well owners may qualify through community programs.
EPA Private Well Resources Federal guidance for private well owners, testing recommendations, and contaminant fact sheets.

Well Construction and Maintenance

Michigan Well Driller Program All well drillers in Michigan must be licensed. Well construction records are filed with EGLE and available through the Wellogic database. If you need a new well or repairs, use only licensed drillers.
Well Maintenance Basics Inspect your wellhead annually. Ensure the cap is secure, no standing water around the casing, and a minimum 50-foot separation from septic systems. If your well is over 20 years old, consider a well inspection by a licensed driller.