For private well owners

Know your well.

Find construction information, plan routine water testing, and collect the details that make future servicing seamless.

Find a recordMichigan Water Well ViewerOpen official map Test your waterMichigan testing instructionsReview official guidance Maintain your wellPrivate well owner resourcesOpen Michigan resources

Well records

Find state filed records.

The state viewer can help locate available records for an existing Michigan well.

Have readyStreet addressCounty and townshipApproximate installation yearSearch the Water Well Viewer

A well record may show

Total well depth and casing details
Formation information
Static water level and test data
Pump or construction notes
Installation date and contractor information

Routine water testing

Follow a regular testing schedule.

Ask your local health department whether local conditions call for additional testing.

Every year

Basic health indicators

Michigan recommends testing for coliform bacteria and E. coli, nitrate, and nitrite annually.

Every 3–5 years

Arsenic and lead

Periodic testing helps account for changing groundwater and household plumbing conditions.

At least once

PFAS

Michigan recommends that private residential well owners test for PFAS at least once.

Test again when conditions change.

Water testing may also be appropriate after well work, flooding, or a change in taste, odor, or color. Follow the sampling instructions supplied by the laboratory.

How to get your drinking water tested

Annual care

A short visual check matters.

Keep the well cap secure and the casing visibly intact.
Keep surface water draining away from the well.
Keep chemicals, fuel, and waste away from the well area.
Watch for pressure changes, unusual pump cycling, leaks, or new sounds.
Save water tests, well records, equipment labels, invoices, and service notes.
Call before opening, adjusting, or replacing well and pumping-system components.