Is Baraga, 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 ↓
70/100
waterverge.com Baraga, MI — Water Quality Report
Baraga's drinking water received a grade of B- (70 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,622 residents using surface water.
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 142 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Baraga's water
Baraga ranks #447 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Baraga, MI water safe to drink?
Baraga's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,622 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Baraga
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Baraga's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4121). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Baraga's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Baraga's water system has 142 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Baraga County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2002. 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 Falls River.
Where does Baraga's water come from?
Baraga's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,622 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Falls River (river).
What Baraga residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Baraga'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.
Baraga'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 Baraga
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Baraga, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CERTAINTEED CEILINGS CORP LANSE, MI49946 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Baraga County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2002. 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Baraga compares by contaminant
Explore where Baraga ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Baraga's water comes from
Baraga'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 3,622 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Baraga
Baraga 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 Baraga
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARAGA | MI0000410 | 2,182 | SW |
| ACORN TRAIL | 055293304 | 1,090 | GW |
| ZEBA | 055293302 | 350 | SW |
How Baraga compares
Full Michigan rankings →Baraga's score of 70/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →ZIP codes served by Baraga
The water systems serving Baraga cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Baraga, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Baraga's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Baraga
Frequently asked questions
Is Baraga, MI tap water safe to drink?
Baraga's water quality earned a grade of B- (70/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #447 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Baraga's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 142 violations are on record.
How is Baraga'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 Baraga?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Baraga's water come from?
Baraga's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,622 residents.
What health violations has Baraga's water system had?
Baraga has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Baraga's water compare to other cities?
Baraga ranks #447 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 14% of state cities) and #10824 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.