Is Buckley, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.4/100
waterverge.com Buckley, MI — Water Quality Report
Buckley's drinking water received a grade of B (76.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 529 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 31 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Buckley's water
Buckley ranks #394 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Buckley 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, Buckley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Buckley, MI water safe to drink?
Buckley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 529 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Buckley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Buckley's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Buckley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Buckley's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wexford 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 Manistee River.
Where does Buckley's water come from?
Buckley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 529 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Manistee River (river).
What Buckley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Buckley'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
Wexford 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 (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Buckley compares by contaminant
Explore where Buckley ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Buckley's water comes from
Buckley'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 529 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Buckley
Buckley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Buckley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUCKLEY, VILLAGE OF | MI0000970 | 529 | GW |
How Buckley compares
Full Michigan rankings →Buckley's score of 76.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Buckley, MI
Wikipedia →Buckley is a village in Wexford County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 775 at the 2020 census, an increase from 697 at the 2010 census. The village is located within Hanover Township, and lies immediately south of the Grand Traverse County line. The village lies about 6.5 miles (10.5 km) north of Mesick, about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Cadillac, and about 15 miles (24 km) south of Traverse City.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Buckley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wexford
Frequently asked questions
Is Buckley, MI tap water safe to drink?
Buckley's water quality earned a grade of B (76.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #394 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Buckley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Buckley'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 Buckley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Buckley's water come from?
Buckley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 529 residents.
What health violations has Buckley's water system had?
Buckley has 12 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Buckley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Buckley 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 31 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 Buckley's water compare to other cities?
Buckley ranks #394 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 24% of state cities) and #9318 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Buckley's small water system affect quality?
Buckley's system serves approximately 529 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 31 violations on record.