If you are buying or selling a home or acreage around St. Helen, the septic and well paperwork can feel like a maze. You want clean water, a working system, and a lender who says yes on the first pass. The good news is there is a clear order to who you call, what you request, and how to prepare so your closing stays on schedule. This guide breaks it down for Roscommon County and Richfield Township so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Who handles permits and records here
Michigan EGLE (state well oversight)
Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy maintains statewide well standards and historical well logs. If you need a construction log or abandonment record, EGLE is your primary source. They also publish guidance on private drinking water and testing.
Roscommon County Environmental Health
At the county level, environmental health or the sanitarian’s office typically manages onsite sewage permits. This is where you request septic permits, soil evaluations, as-built drawings, repair permit history, and any compliance letters. Ask what records exist for your specific parcel.
County Building and Zoning
Building permit files often include septic approvals, site plans, and notes on additions that may have required septic upgrades. This is especially useful for newer work or remodels connected to the septic system.
County Register of Deeds
If your property has recorded easements, covenants, or operation-and-maintenance agreements tied to a septic or well, the Register of Deeds is where those documents live. These records can affect where systems can be located or replaced.
Richfield Township (St. Helen)
Township offices handle zoning and setback questions. They may keep site plans from building permits and can confirm local rules that impact well and septic placement.
Private pros and labs
Licensed well drillers, pump contractors, and septic designers/installers often hold copies of logs, designs, and as-built drawings. Certified labs provide the water test results most lenders require. These private records can fill gaps when public files are incomplete.
Lenders and inspectors
Lenders commonly require septic inspections, proof of recent pumping, and potable water tests from certified labs. They may also ask for well logs and pump system details. Always request your lender’s checklist early so you can match their requirements.
First calls to make for a St. Helen property
Follow this order to save time and avoid repeat requests:
- Roscommon County Environmental Health
- Ask for the septic permit file, as-built drawing, soil evaluation or perc test, any repair permits, and any compliance or certification letters. Confirm the system type, capacity, and locations of the tank, pump chamber, drainfield, and reserve area.
- County Building and Zoning
- Request building permit history and site plans. Ask if any additions triggered septic reviews or upgrades.
- County Register of Deeds
- Search for recorded easements, deed restrictions, covenants, or O&M agreements tied to the septic or well.
- Richfield Township
- Confirm zoning compliance, setbacks, and any local permits that might affect septic or well placement.
- Michigan EGLE
- Obtain the well construction log and any abandonment records. Note the drill date, well depth, casing, and pump details if available.
- Seller or Homeowner Files
- Gather pumping receipts, service invoices, past water test results, and any driller or installer paperwork.
- Licensed Contractors
- If records are missing, contact the original well driller or septic installer. Many keep plans and logs. If unknown, hire licensed pros to inspect, test, and document current conditions.
Expect records searches to take several days to a few weeks, especially for older properties that may require an archive pull. Fees may apply for searches and copies.
What lenders often require
Septic-related items
- A recent septic inspection by a county sanitarian or licensed septic inspector.
- Proof of recent tank pump-out and tank condition, commonly within the past 6 to 12 months.
- Septic permits or as-builts confirming system type and design capacity.
- Documentation of repairs with permits if issues were found.
- A compliance or certification letter if the county offers one.
- Dye or camera inspections when functionality is in doubt.
Well-related items
- Recent potable water test results from a certified lab, often within 30 to 60 days of closing. The minimum panel commonly includes total coliform/E. coli and nitrate.
- The well log or construction record showing depth, casing, date drilled, and driller information.
- A well pump and pressure system check documenting flow and pressure.
- Abandonment records if an old well was sealed.
- Proof of adequate yield if your lender requests a pump test.
Turnaround matters. Many labs can deliver basic bacteriological and nitrate results within the same week if you plan ahead. Start scheduling these items as soon as your inspection window opens.
Seller checklist before listing in St. Helen
Gathering your paperwork early builds buyer confidence and helps avoid lender delays. Aim to have digital files ready to share.
Documents to assemble
- Septic permit(s), as-built, and approved design plan.
- Soil evaluation or perc test reports, if available.
- Last septic pumping receipt and any service or repair invoices.
- Repair permits and completion documents for septic work.
- Well construction log, any well permit, and the driller’s contact.
- Recent water test results for bacteriological and chemical panels.
- Well pump service records, including age and horsepower.
- Certificates of well abandonment for any sealed wells.
- Recorded easements or covenants that affect septic or well locations.
- Any operation and maintenance agreements.
Actions to take
- Order a fresh potability test if you do not have recent results; include total coliform/E. coli and nitrate at minimum.
- Schedule a septic inspection and tank pumping if the system is older or service is overdue.
- Ask Roscommon County if a septic compliance letter is available and how to obtain it.
- If records are missing, hire a licensed sanitarian or septic designer to create an as-built or evaluation buyers can review.
- Prepare a one-page summary with system type, age, last service date, and installer/driller contact info.
Buyer checklist for offers and due diligence
In your offer
- Request copies of the septic permit, as-built, well log, and recent water tests.
- Include a septic inspection contingency, specifying an acceptable inspector and outcome.
- Include a potable water test contingency that names the tests and acceptable results.
- Add a well yield or pump test contingency if supply is a concern.
After acceptance
- Order water tests from a certified lab immediately; freshness windows matter to lenders.
- Schedule the septic inspection and pump-out if needed. Confirm tank lids are accessible.
- If records are missing or repairs are recommended, obtain estimates from licensed contractors. Confirm permit timelines fit your closing date.
Timelines and practical tips
- Records search: Plan for several days to a few weeks depending on office workload and archives.
- Water testing: Most basic panels return in 2 to 7 business days. Specialty tests can take longer.
- Septic inspection and pump-out: Often available within days, but repairs and redesigns can take weeks to months.
- Permits and repairs: Minor fixes may turn quickly. Major replacements or new designs require plan reviews and are sensitive to weather and season.
- Lender timing: Ask your loan officer for all required forms and test panels up front. Start sampling and inspections early in the contingency period.
Pro tip: If a system is decades old or undocumented, budget for professional re-documentation. A clean as-built, a current water test, and a recent pump-out calm buyer and lender concerns.
How we support your septic and well steps
You do not have to navigate this alone. We help you prioritize the right calls, gather the right files, and schedule the right inspections at the right time. Our approach is practical, local, and built to keep your transaction moving. When you are ready, we will help you “Find Your Escape” in Northern Michigan with confidence.
Ready to map out your plan for a St. Helen property? Reach out to the The Laura & Kayla Team to get started.
FAQs
Who issues septic permits in Roscommon County?
- The county’s environmental health or public health office typically issues septic permits; confirm current department names with Roscommon County.
Where do I find a St. Helen property’s well log?
- Michigan EGLE maintains well construction records, and local drillers often keep copies if they installed the well.
What water tests do lenders usually require for private wells?
- Most lenders ask for total coliform/E. coli and nitrate. Some add nitrite, lead, or VOCs depending on the loan and location.
What if there are no septic or well records on file?
- Hire licensed professionals to inspect and document the system. Expect to provide an as-built, pump test, or permits if upgrades are needed.
Who typically pays for septic and water testing during a sale?
- It is negotiable. Sellers often provide basic water tests and pump-outs upfront; otherwise buyers handle testing during due diligence.
