Is Bronson, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.7/100
waterverge.com Bronson, MI — Water Quality Report
Bronson's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,421 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Bronson's water
Bronson ranks #122 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Bronson 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, Bronson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bronson, MI water safe to drink?
Bronson's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,421 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bronson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bronson's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.7/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Bronson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bronson's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Branch 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. Local water sources include Prairie River.
Where does Bronson's water come from?
Bronson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,421 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Prairie River (river).
What Bronson 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.
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 Bronson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bronson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BRONSON PLATING CO BRONSON, MI49028 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
DARLING INGREDIENTS INC COLDWATER, MI49036 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
ELMET TECHNOLOGIES COLDWATER, MI49036 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
REAL ALLOY SPECIFICATION LLC COLDWATER, MI49036 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
REAL ALLOY RECYCLING LLC COLDWATER, MI49036 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bronson
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- NORTH BRONSON INDUSTRIAL AREA0.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Branch 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Bronson compares by contaminant
Explore where Bronson ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bronson's water comes from
Bronson'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 2,421 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bronson
Bronson is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bronson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRONSON | MI0000910 | 2,421 | GW |
How Bronson compares
Full Michigan rankings →Bronson's score of 89.7/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Bronson, MI
Wikipedia →Bronson is a city in Branch County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,307 at the 2020 census. Incorporated as a city in 1934, Bronson is mostly surrounded by Bronson Township, but the two are administered autonomously.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bronson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Branch
Frequently asked questions
Is Bronson, MI tap water safe to drink?
Bronson's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #122 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Bronson's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Bronson'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 Bronson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bronson's water come from?
Bronson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,421 residents.
Is Bronson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bronson 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 2 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 Bronson's water compare to other cities?
Bronson ranks #122 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 77% of state cities) and #2650 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bronson's small water system affect quality?
Bronson's system serves approximately 2,421 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 2 violations on record.