Thinking about a home near Lake Margrethe or Camp Grayling and wondering if the well water is safe? You are not alone. Many Crawford County homes rely on private wells, and knowing what to test, how often to test, and who to call can feel confusing at first. In this guide, you will get clear steps on annual testing, local PFAS context near Camp Grayling, and practical tips for buyers and current owners. Let’s dive in.

Private wells: your responsibility

Private wells are not regulated the same way as public water systems. That means you are responsible for monitoring your water quality and taking action if results are unsafe. You can still use federal and state standards as comparison points when reading lab reports, but those values are benchmarks, not enforced rules for private wells.

District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) serves Crawford County and is a key local resource. They can provide testing guidance, lists of state-certified labs, sample instructions, and help interpret results. If you face an urgent or confusing test result, contact DHD#10 first.

What to test and why

Annual essentials: bacteria and nitrate

• Total coliform and E. coli. Total coliform indicates whether your system may be vulnerable to contamination. Any detection of E. coli signals recent fecal contamination and an immediate health risk. If E. coli is detected, do not drink the water and contact DHD#10 right away.
• Nitrate (as nitrogen). Nitrate at high levels can affect infants and is a concern for pregnant women. Use the EPA benchmark of 10 mg/L as a comparison level for private wells. Test at least annually, and more often if you are near agricultural runoff or a septic system.

Local risk add-ons: PFAS and VOCs

• PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Military training areas and firefighting foam use have been associated with PFAS at sites across Michigan. Camp Grayling has been identified for PFAS investigation, so nearby homeowners should consider PFAS testing or consult DHD#10 for site-specific guidance. PFAS results are often reported in parts per trillion, and interpretation may require public health expertise. Testing requires certified labs and special sampling steps.
• VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Consider testing VOCs if your property is near fuel handling, a known spill site, or other industrial activities. This is especially relevant if you notice unusual odors or if there is a known contamination history in the area.

Metals and routine chemistry

• Arsenic. Found naturally in parts of Michigan groundwater. Chronic exposure carries health risks, so test at least once, and repeat if local geology suggests a higher risk.
• Lead. Usually comes from plumbing, not the well itself. Test if your home has older plumbing or if you have had changes that could affect water corrosivity.
• Iron and manganese. These can stain fixtures and affect taste. They are often tested for comfort and appliance protection.
• pH, hardness, and total dissolved solids. These parameters help you understand water chemistry, protect appliances, and choose treatment if needed.

How often to test

Baseline at purchase or for a new well

When you buy a home or drill a new well, set a strong baseline. Order a comprehensive panel that includes:

• Total coliform and E. coli
• Nitrate (as nitrogen)
• Arsenic
• Lead if indicated by plumbing age or materials
• pH, hardness, iron, and manganese
• VOCs if local risk is possible
• PFAS if the property is near Camp Grayling or other identified investigation areas

This baseline gives you a clean starting point, helps negotiate repairs or treatment if needed, and provides documentation for future resale.

Ongoing owner schedule

• Every year: total coliform and E. coli, nitrate.
• Every 2 to 5 years: arsenic and other metals, VOCs if risk exists, PFAS if near investigation areas or if you had a prior detection.
• Every 3 to 5 years: pH, hardness, iron, and other routine chemistry.

Event-driven testing

Test immediately if any of the following occur:

• Flooding around your well or heavy storm events
• Well or plumbing repairs, pump replacement, or pressure system work
• Unexplained gastrointestinal illness in your household
• Nearby spills, firefighting foam use, or state or local advisories

Sampling basics that prevent bad results

Using the right bottles, timing, and technique matters just as much as choosing the right tests.

• Use a state-certified laboratory. DHD#10 can provide lists of certified labs and current submission procedures.
• Follow the lab’s instructions exactly. For bacteria tests, use sterile bottles, keep samples cold, and deliver to the lab promptly, usually within 24 hours.
• Prepare the faucet. Remove aerators if instructed, disinfect where appropriate, and let the water run as directed before sampling.
• Avoid common mistakes. Do not use non-sterile containers for bacteria tests, do not delay drop-off, and do not mix sampling steps between different test types.
• For PFAS, follow special protocols. Use only approved sampling materials and certified labs. Because PFAS sampling is sensitive, contact DHD#10 for up-to-date guidance if you plan to test.

Understanding results and next steps

Interpreting water results can feel technical. Use these practical rules to decide what to do next and when to call for help.

• E. coli detected. Do not drink the water. Use bottled water for drinking and food prep, and contact DHD#10 for immediate guidance. Shock chlorination and follow-up testing are common next steps.
• Total coliform detected without E. coli. This points to a vulnerability in your system. DHD#10 can help you troubleshoot well integrity, sanitary protection, and disinfection.
• Nitrate above 10 mg/L (as nitrogen). Do not give this water to infants and consult DHD#10 about short-term alternatives and long-term mitigation, such as treatment or blending.
• Arsenic or other metals above comparison values. Consider treatment options or alternative sources. The right solution depends on the specific metal and level.
• PFAS detected. Guidance depends on the compound and the concentration. Contact DHD#10 and check current state resources for local advisories and next steps. Effective remediation may include point-of-use or point-of-entry systems, such as granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis. In some cases, connection to municipal water may be considered if available.

Keep copies of all lab reports and any treatment maintenance records. These documents are valuable for your own tracking and can reduce friction when you sell.

Buyer checklist for Grayling and Lake Margrethe

If you are buying a home with a private well, plan water testing like you plan a home inspection.

• Add a well-water testing contingency. Ask for a recent test within the last 30 to 60 days.
• Minimum tests: total coliform and E. coli, nitrate.
• Add PFAS and VOCs when the property is near Camp Grayling or other areas with known or suspected contamination history.
• Ask for well construction details, maintenance records, and any treatment system documentation.
• If plumbing is older, consider lead testing and a basic water chemistry panel.

Seller checklist that builds buyer confidence

If you own a home with a private well and plan to sell, proactive testing can speed negotiations.

• Test annually and keep your results organized.
• Before listing, consider updating your bacteria and nitrate tests if older than a year.
• If your home is near Camp Grayling, be ready to discuss whether PFAS testing is appropriate based on current guidance.
• Keep records of any treatment systems and service logs so buyers see a clear maintenance history.

When to call District Health Department #10

DHD#10 is your first local call for:

• Positive E. coli results or other acute contamination
• Nitrate results above 10 mg/L, or if there is an infant or pregnancy in the home
• Flooding, spills, or other environmental incidents near your well
• Questions about sampling, lists of state-certified labs, and current submission procedures
• Interpreting PFAS and VOC results and choosing next steps
• Well permits, construction questions, or well abandonment guidance

Quick-reference testing plan

Use this simple plan to stay on track:

• Every year: test total coliform, E. coli, and nitrate.
• Every 2 to 5 years: arsenic, metals, and VOCs if there is risk.
• Every 3 to 5 years: pH, hardness, iron, and manganese.
• Immediately: after floods, repairs, illness, nearby spills, or foam use.
• Buying or selling: get a recent bacteria and nitrate test, and add PFAS and VOCs near Camp Grayling or other identified areas.

Work with a local guide you can trust

Water quality near Lake Margrethe and Camp Grayling is a topic where local context matters. As Northern Michigan specialists, our team brings an education-first approach and a vetted vendor network to help you navigate testing contingencies during a purchase and post-sale coordination with qualified pros. We also understand the needs of service families and relocating buyers and can help you plan timelines that reduce stress while protecting your interests.

Have questions about wells as you buy or sell in Crawford County? Reach out to The Trillium Partners for local guidance tailored to your property and plans.

FAQs

What makes private wells near Camp Grayling a special case?

• Military training areas have been the focus of PFAS investigations in Michigan. If your property is near Camp Grayling, consider PFAS testing or contact DHD#10 for site-specific guidance.

Do I have to test a private well when selling a home in Michigan?

• There is no universal statewide testing requirement for private wells at sale. Buyers should request testing in their contingencies and check for any local rules.

How often should I test for bacteria and nitrate in Crawford County?

• Test total coliform, E. coli, and nitrate every year, and test sooner after flooding, system work, illness in the household, or unusual taste or odor changes.

What removes PFAS from private well water?

• Point-of-use or point-of-entry systems like granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis can be effective, but you should consult DHD#10 for compound-specific guidance and next steps.

Where can I get sampling kits and certified lab information locally?

• Contact DHD#10 for current instructions, sample bottles for bacteria tests, and a list of state-certified laboratories that handle bacteria, metals, VOCs, and PFAS.