Commercial Water Wells (Type 2 or 3)

Submit a complete LCHD Well and Septic Permit Application to LCHD’s Environmental Health Division in-person, by mail, by email, or online.

Well & Septic Permit Applications must include:

• Documentation of permanent street address (for new construction only)
  • Address Assignment Forms are provided by Livingston County GIS
• Copy of an accurate plot plan (Example)
• Checklist for Commercial Facilities
• EGLE Permit Application and Calculating Peak Water Demand Worksheet
• Water Supply Permit Fees

Once submitted, an Environmental Health Specialist will review the application and contact you if additional information is needed. Approved permits will be issued by email (or mail if email is unavailable).

View your permit for further instructions, including inspections and/or water testing requirements.

Have questions? Email health@livgov.com.

If you are on a well and/or septic system and are planning to do an addition or modification to your property, you must apply for a site review.

Application for EH Review of Property Additions and Modifications

Have questions? Email health@livgov.com.

Once the well is installed, the water must be tested to show it is safe. Sample bottles are available from a Certified Drinking Water Laboratory.

Certified Drinking Water Labs in Livingston County:

Brighton Analytical
2105 Pless Drive
Brighton, MI 48116
(810) 229-7575

Water Tech
718 S. Michigan Ave
Howell, MI 48843
(517) 548-2505

At a minimum, new wells must be tested for:

• Bacteria – must be negative
• Nitrates – must be 10 parts per million (ppm) or less
• Arsenic – must be 10 parts per billion (ppb) or less

Packaging and shipping water samples: MDEQ Video about Thermal Preservation of Water Samples

• Casing: The casing is a tube in the ground that houses the well pump and the pipe that moves water from the pump to the surface. It also prevents the hole from collapsing, and keeps contaminants from entering the water supply. Modern well casings are typically five inch plastic (PVC) pipe, or in some instances four inch steel pipe.
• Cap: The cap is the top of the well casing. The cap must end at least one foot above ground so it is not subject to flooding. The cap usually has a screened vent to prevent insects from entering the well.
• Pump: The well pump draws water up the hole and pushes it into the home. The well pump is usually submersible. This means the pump is installed in the well casing several feet below ground, making it operate more quietly.
• Pressure Tank: The pressure tank is usually a 3-4 foot tall cylinder located in the home (usually in the basement). It stores water and distributes it through the home. The tank can also serve as additional storage for low-yield wells. The pressure switch located at the tank controls the pumps on/off cycle.
• Pitless Adapter: The pitless adapter is a plumbing fitting that attaches to the well casing and routes the water supply line from the pump to the home. It is installed approximately four feet below ground so it is not subject to freezing. Before these were invented, old wells often terminated below ground in pits, or basement off-sets. Pits are no longer necessary, hence the name pitless adapter.
• Screen: The screen is at the very bottom of the well, attached to the casing. It keeps sand and gravel out of the well while allowing groundwater to flow into the well. Some wells drilled into bedrock do not need screens since the water travels through crevices in the rock, and there is no sand to filter out.