Is Birch Run, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Birch Run ranks. What to do next ↓
95/100
waterverge.com Birch Run, MI — Water Quality Report
Birch Run's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,668 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Birch Run's water
Birch Run ranks #22 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Birch Run, MI water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Birch Run's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,668 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Birch Run
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Birch Run's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Birch Run's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Birch Run's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Saginaw County has experienced 6 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 Cass River.
Where does Birch Run's water come from?
Birch Run's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 5,668 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Cass River (river).
What Birch Run 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.
Birch Run'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 Birch Run
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Birch Run, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OLDCASTLE LAWN & GARDEN BRIDGEPORT, MI48722 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
ORCHID ORTHOPEDIC SOLUTIONS BRIDGEPORT, MI48722 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
STAR OF THE WEST MILLING CO FRANKENMUTH, MI48734 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Saginaw County has experienced 6 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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Birch Run compares by contaminant
Explore where Birch Run ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Birch Run's water comes from
Birch Run'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 5,668 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Birch Run
Birch Run 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 Birch Run
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIRCH RUN TOWNSHIP | MI0000722 | 2,080 | SWP |
| TAYMOUTH TOWNSHIP | MI0006552 | 2,033 | SWP |
| BIRCH RUN, VILLAGE OF | MI0000720 | 1,555 | SWP |
How Birch Run compares
Full Michigan rankings →Birch Run's score of 95/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Birch Run, MI
Wikipedia →Birch Run is a village in Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, Birch Run had a population of 1,525. The village is located within Birch Run Township.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Birch Run's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Saginaw
Frequently asked questions
Is Birch Run, MI tap water safe to drink?
Birch Run's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #22 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Birch Run's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Birch Run'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 Birch Run?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Birch Run's water come from?
Birch Run's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 5,668 residents.
How does Birch Run's water compare to other cities?
Birch Run ranks #22 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 96% of state cities) and #377 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.