Most homes in rural Northern Michigan rely on private septic systems to treat household wastewater. Because there is no statewide septic code in Michigan, regulations are handled locally by county health departments. For homeowners in Benzie and Leelanau counties, septic system regulations and inspections are managed by the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department, which oversees septic permits, system installations, and environmental health programs. 

Septic system maintenance is especially important in this region because untreated wastewater can pollute groundwater, streams, and lakes, potentially affecting beaches, wildlife, and drinking water sources.

• You use well water
• There is no municipal water meter
• Neighbors have septic systems
• The home is in a rural area

Locate the your Septic System

• Ask seller or realtor
• Look for inspection lids or caps in the yard
• Check property drawings on our Environmental Health Digital Records Portal

If you are buying or selling a home in Benzie or Leelanau County with a septic system, a Time of Transfer (TOT) evaluation is required before the property sale can be finalized.

This evaluation ensures that the septic system and water well are functioning properly and are not posing a risk to public health or the environment. The process may take several weeks to complete, so it is important to plan ahead when scheduling inspections.

During the inspection, a professional may:

• Examine the septic tank and components
• Review maintenance records
• Look for signs of leaks or backups
• Evaluate the drainfield
• Confirm the system meets local sanitary code requirements

These inspections help identify potential problems before a property changes ownership, protecting both the buyer and the surrounding environment.

A septic system treats wastewater from your home using two primary components:

1. A septic tank
2. A drainfield (also called a leach field)

Wastewater from sinks, toilets, and showers flows into the septic tank, where solids settle and begin to break down. The remaining liquid then moves into the drainfield where the surrounding soil naturally filters and treats the water before it returns to the groundwater system.

In rural areas without municipal wastewater infrastructure, this natural treatment process is essential for maintaining water quality.