Is Boyne Falls, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
65.3/100
waterverge.com Boyne Falls, MI — Water Quality Report
Boyne Falls's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,719 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 26.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 22 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Boyne Falls's water
Boyne Falls ranks #459 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Boyne Falls 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Boyne Falls may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Boyne Falls, MI water safe to drink?
Boyne Falls's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,719 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Boyne Falls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Boyne Falls's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.3/100).
Contaminants: BHC-GAMMA, Toxaphene, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Boyne Falls's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Boyne Falls's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Charlevoix County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Boyne Falls's water come from?
Boyne Falls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,719 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Boyne Falls residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Boyne Falls'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Boyne Falls
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Boyne Falls, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LEXAMAR CORP BOYNE CITY, MI49712 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
EAST JORDAN FOUNDRY LLC ELMIRA, MI49730 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Charlevoix County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Boyne Falls's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 26.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Boyne Falls compares by contaminant
Explore where Boyne Falls ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Boyne Falls's water comes from
Boyne Falls'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,719 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Boyne Falls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT | MI0000815 | 950 | GW |
| WALLOON LAKE WATER SYSTEM | MI0006880 | 399 | GW |
| BOYNE FALLS, VILLAGE OF | MI0000810 | 370 | GW |
How Boyne Falls compares
Full Michigan rankings →Boyne Falls's score of 65.3/100 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 →About Boyne Falls, MI
Wikipedia →Boyne Falls is a village in Charlevoix County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 358 at the 2020 census and the village is located within Boyne Valley Township.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Boyne Falls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Charlevoix
Frequently asked questions
Is Boyne Falls, MI tap water safe to drink?
Boyne Falls's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #459 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Boyne Falls's water?
Lead was measured at 26.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Boyne Falls'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 Boyne Falls?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Boyne Falls's water come from?
Boyne Falls's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,719 residents.
What health violations has Boyne Falls's water system had?
Boyne Falls has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Boyne Falls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Boyne Falls 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 Boyne Falls's water compare to other cities?
Boyne Falls ranks #459 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 12% of state cities) and #11534 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.