Is Bad Axe, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
92.5/100
waterverge.com Bad Axe, MI — Water Quality Report
Bad Axe's drinking water received a grade of A (92.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,129 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 8 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Bad Axe's water
Bad Axe ranks #60 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.14 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Bad Axe may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bad Axe, MI water safe to drink?
Bad Axe's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,129 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bad Axe
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bad Axe's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.5/100).
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-774). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bad Axe's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bad Axe's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Huron County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Pinnebog River.
Where does Bad Axe's water come from?
Bad Axe's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,129 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Pinnebog River (river).
What Bad Axe residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Bad Axe's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bad Axe
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bad Axe, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
THUMB TOOL & ENGINEERING BAD AXE, MI48413 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
VALLEY ENTERPRISES INC. UBLY, MI48475 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
TOWER AUTOMOTIVE OPERATIONS USA I LLC ELKTON, MI48731 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Huron County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bad Axe compares by contaminant
Explore where Bad Axe ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bad Axe's water comes from
Bad Axe's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,129 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bad Axe
Bad Axe is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bad Axe
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAD AXE | MI0000340 | 3,129 | SWP |
| HURON REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY | MI0003317 | — | SW |
How Bad Axe compares
Full Michigan rankings →Bad Axe's score of 92.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Bad Axe, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bad Axe's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Huron
Frequently asked questions
Is Bad Axe, MI tap water safe to drink?
Bad Axe's water quality earned a grade of A (92.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #60 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Bad Axe's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Bad Axe's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Bad Axe?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bad Axe's water come from?
Bad Axe's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,129 residents.
What health violations has Bad Axe's water system had?
Bad Axe has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Bad Axe's water compare to other cities?
Bad Axe ranks #60 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 88% of state cities) and #1210 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.