Is Brimley, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.6/100
waterverge.com Brimley, MI — Water Quality Report
Brimley's drinking water received a grade of B (75.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,624 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 112 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Brimley's water
Brimley ranks #409 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Brimley 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, Brimley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brimley, MI water safe to drink?
Brimley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,624 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Brimley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brimley's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Diquat, Endothall, Glyphosate.
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 Brimley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Brimley's water system has 112 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chippewa 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 Brimley's water come from?
Brimley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,624 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Brimley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Brimley'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Chippewa 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.
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 Brimley compares by contaminant
Explore where Brimley ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brimley's water comes from
Brimley'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 1,624 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Brimley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAY MILLS | 055293101 | 857 | GW |
| SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP | MI0000880 | 767 | GW |
How Brimley compares
Full Michigan rankings →Brimley's score of 75.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →ZIP codes served by Brimley
The water systems serving Brimley cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Brimley, MI
Wikipedia →Brimley is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Chippewa County, Michigan. The CDP had a population of 504 at the 2020 census. Brimley is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and is located along the southern shore of Lake Superior. The community is located within Superior Township.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brimley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chippewa
Frequently asked questions
Is Brimley, MI tap water safe to drink?
Brimley's water quality earned a grade of B (75.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #409 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Brimley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 112 violations are on record.
How is Brimley'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 Brimley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brimley's water come from?
Brimley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,624 residents.
What health violations has Brimley's water system had?
Brimley has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Brimley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Brimley 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 112 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 Brimley's water compare to other cities?
Brimley ranks #409 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 21% of state cities) and #9535 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.