Is Bancroft, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.4/100
waterverge.com Bancroft, MI — Water Quality Report
Bancroft's drinking water received a grade of B (77.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 616 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 22 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bancroft's water
Bancroft ranks #390 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bancroft relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Bancroft may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bancroft, MI water safe to drink?
Bancroft's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 616 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bancroft
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bancroft's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Bancroft's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bancroft's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Shiawassee County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Shiawassee River.
Where does Bancroft's water come from?
Bancroft's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 616 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Shiawassee River (river).
What Bancroft residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bancroft's water.
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.
Bancroft'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 Bancroft
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bancroft, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CIE NEWCOR MTG CORUNNA, MI48817 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
GENERAL SHALE BRICK INC. - PLANT 66 CORUNNA, MI48817 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
CARGILL FEED & NUTRITION OWOSSO OWOSSO, MI48867 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Shiawassee County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Bancroft compares by contaminant
Explore where Bancroft ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bancroft's water comes from
Bancroft's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 616 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bancroft
Bancroft is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bancroft
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BANCROFT, VILLAGE OF | MI0000370 | 616 | GW |
How Bancroft compares
Full Michigan rankings →Bancroft's score of 77.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Bancroft, MI
Wikipedia →Bancroft is a village in Shiawassee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 484 at the 2020 census. The village is located within Shiawassee Township.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bancroft's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shiawassee
Frequently asked questions
Is Bancroft, MI tap water safe to drink?
Bancroft's water quality earned a grade of B (77.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #390 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Bancroft's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Bancroft'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 Bancroft?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bancroft's water come from?
Bancroft's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 616 residents.
What health violations has Bancroft's water system had?
Bancroft has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bancroft's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bancroft uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 22 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Bancroft's water compare to other cities?
Bancroft ranks #390 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 25% of state cities) and #9014 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bancroft's small water system affect quality?
Bancroft's system serves approximately 616 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 22 violations on record.