This week, Grand Traverse County took a major step forward in protecting its waters and residents by unanimously passing a countywide septic regulation. This landmark decision marks the first time the county has adopted rules to systematically evaluate septic systems near water bodies. While the regulation may appear modest in scope, its implications are profound. With 132 miles of coastal shoreline, over 146 named lakes and many unnamed ones, two major rivers, Grand Traverse County is positioning itself as a leader in safeguarding public health and freshwater resources in the absence of a statewide septic code.
Beginning January 1, 2026, any property with a septic system that is located within 300 feet of surface water–defined as any above-ground body of water such as lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers–must be evaluated before it can be sold or transferred. This requirement will be enforced as determined by the County Health Department. This is not just a technical requirement; it’s a foundational piece of public health infrastructure. Properly functioning septic systems are essential to preventing pathogens, as well as nutrient and chemical pollution from entering our waters and groundwater.
At FLOW, we commend the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners for taking this step.
We also extend deep thanks to the Grand Traverse County Health Department, whose thoughtful and transparent process has led to a strong, fair, and flexible ordinance. This is how government should work–responsive to public input, guided by science, and committed to public service.
Thoughtful design, public process
The new ordinance reflects months of public input and background work by the County Health Department, which consulted with neighboring counties like Leelanau, examined the proposed statewide septic code, and made significant changes to the draft regulation based on community feedback– specifically including FLOW’s. Changes include shifting
the term from “inspection” to “evaluation,” adding detailed definitions for clarity, and aligning terms with those currently used in other jurisdictions. This attention to consistency and clarity will be critical to helping property owners and professionals navigate the new requirements in a statewide code if adopted by the 103rd legislature.
Even more important, the County Health Department is designing the implementation process from the ground up. This includes building out staffing and vehicle capacity–already funded in the county budget–creating evaluation guidelines drawn directly from the regulation, and developing a map to identify all dwellings within the 300-foot buffer zone. Their goal is to identify roughly 85% of impacted systems within 90 days after implementation.
Regulation with compassion
Crucially, this isn’t a punitive regulation. The County Health Department has made clear that the role of public health is not to “rule with a heavy hand.” In the words of Deputy Health Officer Mike Lahey, “That is not a great recipe for success.” Instead, the process prioritizes communication, problem-solving, and collaboration with homeowners. Evaluations are conducted by certified professionals, and if repairs are needed, homeowners have up to 180 days to take corrective action–with the option to submit a repair plan and post a surety deposit to ensure work is completed.
For those acting in good faith, the County Health Department will be a partner, not a punisher. At the same time, the ordinance includes enforcement mechanisms for bad actors who attempt to skirt the rules. Citations can be issued if necessary, and a process is in place for appeals and compliance timelines.
For those acting in good faith, the County Health Department will be a partner, not a punisher.
A public-private partnership
One of the most exciting parts of this effort is the County Health Department’s commitment to ongoing collaboration. They’ve already expressed interest in forming a working group or advisory committee of community partners–including groups like FLOW, Aspire North, and the Grand Traverse Watershed Center–to help shape the final departmental guidelines. These guidelines will be reviewed and updated regularly, ensuring the program remains flexible and responsive to emerging needs.
This summer will be a critical time for public outreach. The County Health Department plans to host open houses, share educational materials, and launch a countywide communications campaign to clarify the new regulation–especially in light of potentially conflicting township ordinances. Their outreach coordinator will lead press releases and public education efforts, with the goal of building community understanding and support well in advance of the January launch.
Leading the Way for Michigan
Michigan remains the only state in the country without a statewide septic code.
In that context, Grand Traverse County’s new ordinance is not just a local victory–it’s a model for the rest of the state. It demonstrates that local governments can lead with vision, humility, and a commitment to protecting the public good. FLOW continues to advocate for statewide action, but in the meantime, we celebrate this local step forward.
We thank the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners for their leadership, the County Health Department for their dedication, and the many residents and community partners who spoke up and helped shape this regulation. We look forward to supporting the implementation process in the months ahead.
This is how change begins–not with sweeping mandates, but with thoughtful steps and strong partnerships from the ground up. And in this case, those steps are leading us toward cleaner water, healthier communities, and a better and brighter future.
