Is Cass City, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.5/100
waterverge.com Cass City, MI — Water Quality Report
Cass City's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,428 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 14 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cass City's water
Cass City ranks #126 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Cass City 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, Cass City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cass City, MI water safe to drink?
Cass City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,428 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cass City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cass City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.5/100).
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-774). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cass City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cass City's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tuscola County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Cass City's water come from?
Cass City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,428 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cass River (river).
What Cass City 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.
Cass City'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 Cass City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cass City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 29,584 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA INC. CASS CITY, MI48726 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 29,584 | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tuscola County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Cass City compares by contaminant
Explore where Cass City ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cass City's water comes from
Cass City'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 2,428 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cass City
Cass City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cass City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASS CITY, VILLAGE OF | MI0001220 | 2,428 | GW |
How Cass City compares
Full Michigan rankings →Cass City's score of 89.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Cass City, MI
Wikipedia →Cass City is a village in Elkland Township, Tuscola County in the Flint/Tri-Cities area of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, Cass City had a population of 2,494. It is located along M-81 approximately four miles (6.4 km) west of that highway's intersection with M-53. Cass City is surrounded by several communities, including Colwood, Deford, Elmwood and Ellington.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cass City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tuscola
Frequently asked questions
Is Cass City, MI tap water safe to drink?
Cass City's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #126 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Cass City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Cass City'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 Cass City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cass City's water come from?
Cass City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,428 residents.
What health violations has Cass City's water system had?
Cass City has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cass City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cass City 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 14 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 Cass City's water compare to other cities?
Cass City ranks #126 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 76% of state cities) and #2790 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cass City's small water system affect quality?
Cass City's system serves approximately 2,428 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 14 violations on record.